Milan Sightseeing

Visitors are not normally drawn to Milan for its culture, which is a pity since the city centre has many museums and a particularly good selection of world-class art exhibitions and individual pieces. Everybody has heard of Da Vinci's The Last Supper, now restored and in the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. However, the less famous Brera Gallery is an international treasure house (on a par with the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or London's National Gallery) and Michelangelo's last work, the extraordinary Pieta Rondanini, in the civic galleries of the Sforza Castle, is a surprise find for many of the city's visitors.

Sightseeing is made easier by the proximity of attractions to the city's duomo (cathedral). Visitors should not be afraid to explore on foot, ignoring the efficient transport services when time permits. The centre has an attractive number of pedestrianised quarters where a cocktail of architectural styles (the grandeur of Imperial Austria, the grace of Renaissance Italy and the optimistic bravado of the belle époque) often stand shoulder to shoulder with the very modern, to stylish effect.

The pace of Milan can be unrelenting. Visitors embracing the invigorating tonic of city life will need to balance their time - as the Milanesi do. Urban romantics will enjoy wandering the southern stretch of the historic centre, taking in the canal banks of the Naviglio Grande, where the old wash houses can still be seen, exploring the university district and the historic collection of basilicas Sant'Eustorgio and Sant'Ambrogio. The city parks, Parco Sempione and the Giardini Pubblici, are to the north and are pleasant for a break on a sunny day.

Azienda Promozione Turistica del Milanese (APT)
Via Marconi 1
Tel: 02 7252 4301.
Website: www.milanoinfo.eu
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0845-1900, Sat 0900-1300 and 1400-1800, Sun 0900-1300 and 1400-1700 (winter); Mon-Fri 0830-2000, Sat 0900-1300 and 1400-1900, Sun 0900-1300 and 1400-1700 (summer).

There is another tourist information office in Stazione Centrale, Piazza Duca d'Aosta, on the first floor (tel: 02 7740 4318), open Mon-Sat 0800-1900, Sun 0900-1230 and 1330-1800.

The Welcome Card includes a one-day public transport pass, a short history of the city, a map of the city (including public transport routes), discount vouchers for selected shops and a CD compilation of classical music. Unfortunately, no discounts or free entrance to tourist sights are currently offered. The card is available from the tourist information office.

The MilanoCard (www.milanocard.it) includes free public transport and discounts on selected museums, monuments, restaurants and bike renting. The card can be bought online or from the tourist information office in Milan.