Postcard from
Milan
Fabrizia Caracciolo provides her guide to Milan, a city that approaches beauty in its own way. From exquisite courtyards to perfect villas, this is where the Milanese find the real spirit of the city and where you can eat, sleep, and drink to find the very best the capital of Lombardy has to offer.
"Milan differs from most other Italian cities because its beauty is neither obvious nor extroverted but carefully hidden."
Milan differs from most other Italian cities because its beauty is neither obvious nor extroverted but carefully hidden. With the exception of the city’s most famous landmark, the exceptional Gothic cathedral, the Duomo, and a handful of post-war and more recent skyscrapers built by the most famous architects of their time, from Gio Ponti to Zaha Hadid, most of the Milanese gems are hidden from the eye of the casual visitor.
Unknown to most is the first example of trompe l’oeil, painted by Bramante in the rarely seen church of San Satiro just as the world famous Last supper by Leonardo Da Vinci is nested within the Dominican convent complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Despite their often-austere facades, most Milanese historical private palaces conceal their beauty within: gardens arcades and courtyards are to be discovered for example at Casa Campanini Bonomi, Ralph Lauren’s Italian headquarters, or in Portaluppi’s Villa Necchi.
Photo by arenaimmagini.it, 2014 (C) FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano
"Most Milanese historical private palaces conceal their beauty within."
Travel Tips
Where to Stay
Hotel et de Milan
The famed favorite of the Scala performers, a wooden-floored classic institution.
What to Visit
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Over 5000 extraordinary pieces, from Antiquity to the 19th century, suspended in a magical atmosphere.
Where to Have an Aperitivo
Fioraio Bianchi
A taste of Paris in the heart of Milan surrounded by stylish flowers.
Where to Eat
La Latteria
The last of the iconic family-run restaurants of Milan. High quality. No booking.
Where to Shop
Gioielleria Pennisi
Synonymous of a cultivated sense of style for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Where to Shop
Ralph Lauren
The long-awaited return of the flagship store in via Spiga coming this Fall.
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