Milan

The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is one of the oldest churches in Milan, built by Bishop Ambrose between 379 and 386 AD. Located in an area where numerous martyrs of the Roman persecutions were buried, it was originally called Basilica Martyrum. In 1099 the church was rebuilt in the Romanesque architectural style but the basilica plan of the original edifice was maintained, including a portico with elegant arches in the front entrance. In keeping with the Lombard style of medieval architecture, the hut-like façade has a typically flat appearance. Of the two bell towers, the left and higher tower dates back to 1144 AD. Inside there is an apse mosaic from the early 13th century that portrays the Christ Pantokrator (Ruler of All), an inspirational religious and artistic artefact. The church also houses the tomb of Emperor Louis II, who died in Lombardy in 875 AD. There are mummified bishops in the chapels of this interesting and ancient church and it is one of the best churches in Milan for religious art and artefacts. Despite its notoriety as one of the oldest churches in the city, the basilica is not overrun by tourists and the place has retained its atmosphere of peace, silence and history; the pleasure of a visit here is seldom marred by crowds.

Address : Piazza SantAmbrogio, 15

Website : www.basilicasantambrogio.it

Telephone : +39 02 8645 0895

Opening times : The Basilica is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to noon, and again from 2.30pm to 6pm. Sundays from 3pm to 5pm.

Admission : Free

Strung along just over 11 miles (18km) of rugged cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre is one of Italy's greatest treasures. Cinque Terre means 'Five Lands'. These are the five related fishing villages that nestle precariously on the cliffs, overlooking the azure ocean of the Italian Riviera, off the country's northwestern coast. Cinque Terre is a picture-perfect dream of sparkling clear waters and dramatic vistas, contained within the tranquil embrace of the villages that are connected to one another by a scenic pathway that curves through the hillside among olive groves and vineyards.Monterosso is the largest of the towns and is recognisable through the huge statues carved into the rocks facing its shores. The village of Riomaggiore is quickly identified through the myriad fishing boats festooning its shores and is linked by the 'lovers lane' to the charming town of Manarola. Corniglia perches precariously on the mountainside and is accessed through a steep climb, and Vernazza's promenade and piazza have beautiful sea vistas. A stroll along these dramatic cliffs is one of the most splendid walks in the country, and photographers will be captivated by the camera fodder. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the villages and Cinque Terre is part of a national park.

Website : www.cinqueterre.com

Exploring the beautiful Dolomite Mountains and Renon Plateau is a popular excursion from Milan, and quaint mountain villages like Bolzano and Collalbo complete the package for day-trippers. The Dolomite mountains are famously picturesque and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some interesting and unusual rock formations, or 'pyramids', dot the landscape of Renon Plateau. Hiking is naturally a popular activity in the region and photographers will be in their element.Most tourists travel first to Soprabolzano, a two to three hour drive from Milan, where they can get stunning panoramic views of the Dolomite landscape either by taking the Renon Cable Car up the mountain to Bolzano, or hopping aboard the hundred-year-old electric train, the Ritten Railway, to Collalbo. Bolzano is an interesting town with a distinctly German atmosphere - it was German until World War Two - and Collalbo is a charming, tiny village perched high on the plateau, and a great base for those wanting to do walking trails as it is surrounded by pristine countryside. The Dolomites are best visited in spring and summer but autumn is still a pleasant season in the mountains. Winter gets very cold! Although there are a number of guided package tours available, it is easy and fun to drive yourself around the region.

The looming Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, presides over the Milanese Piazza that bears its name. Its construction began in 1386 and continued sporadically until Napoleon ordered its completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation bestowed on it 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles. It is best visited in full sunshine when the interior is illuminated by the colourful mosaic of its stained glass windows. The church is a five-aisled cruciform seating 40,000 worshippers. The 16th-century marble tomb of Giacomo de Medici lies in the southern transept, and lying buried at its heart is St Charles Borromeo, the cathedral's most important benefactor. Every year in May and September a nail from the cross of Christ is displayed to worshippers, retrieved from its resting-place by the bishop who is hoisted to the nivola to reach it. Across the piazza, in the Palazzo Reale, is the Museo del Duomo that displays the treasures from the cathedral. It also houses the Museo d'Arte Contomporanea, showcasing a collection of Italian Futurist art. The cathedral is the centre of Milan, both literally and figuratively, and the square is a wonderful meeting place and landmark - the city's roads radiate out from the square and it makes a glorious starting point for explorations of Milan.There are admission charges for certain parts of the cathedral.

Address : Piazza del Duomo 18

Website : www.duomomilano.it/en/

Telephone : +39 02 7202 2656

Opening times : Open daily from 8am to 7pm.

Admission : There are a variety of ticket options available. Check the website for further details.

This world-famous opera house rests on the site of the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, its namesake. For opera fanatics seeing a performance at La Scala is the experience of a lifetime. Check the official website below to see what is showing during your visit. Ticket prices vary depending on seating and show but should be booked far in advance.The La Scala Museum is also well worth a visit and provides a wealth of mementos from the opera house dedicated to the nation's beloved composers and performers. These include Rossini, Puccini and Toscanini. Two halls are devoted to Verdi alone, and contain memorabilia such as the spinet on which he learned to play, hand-written scores and the baton given to him after the momentous reception of his best-loved work, Aida. There are also exhibitions featuring some of the elaborate costumes worn in the theatre over the years, and mementoes from the plays and performances. The museum is a delight for those familiar with the composers and their operas, but probably a bit dull for the uninitiated; however, if there aren't rehearsals on visitors are permitted to go into one of the boxes and see the theatre and this is thrilling for all lovers of the arts.

Address : Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza della Scala

Website : www.teatroallascala.org/en/index.html

Telephone : +39 02 8879 7473

Opening times : The museum is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm (last entrance at 5pm).

Admission : Tickets to enter the museum cost €7.

This remarkable museum is a popular tourist attraction and a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest minds. Within the Leonardo Gallery of the museum is a collection of da Vinci's ingenious designs, detailing everything from plans for war machines to architectural visions. Applied physics is the focus of another room, in keeping with the museum's tribute to the history of science, and there are departments for energy, communication and transport as well. The museum is very well-organised and maintained, with a lot of interactive exhibits and scientific experiments to actively participate in. Activities are scheduled daily in the interactive science labs and the admission cost covers all these activities. Children will be enthralled and should learn a lot in this exciting and stimulating environment, experimenting with food, electricity and much more in carefully supervised activities. Adults will also enjoy the museum, particularly the section on da Vinci which is intriguing. There is a bar and a canteen at the museum, as well as a shop for souvenirs. If you are at all interested in science, or Leonardo da Vinci, or if you are travelling to Milan with kids, be sure to include a stop at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in your Milanese travel itinerary.

Address : Via San Vittore 21

Website : www.museoscienza.org

Telephone : +39 02 485 551

Opening times : Open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm. Open on holidays and weekends from 9.30am to 6.30pm

Admission : €10 (adults), €7.50 (concessions)

The gargantuan Sforzesco Castle, built in the 15th Century, is one of Milan's foremost monuments. It was restored after being bombed in 1943. The vast interior, which is broken here and there by smaller courtyards, contains three museums, the most notable of which is the Museum of Historic Art (Museo d'Arte Antica del Castello Sforzesco). Within its collection of sculptures is the famous Pieta Rondanini, Michelangelo's final work. The picture gallery features paintings by Mantegna, Bellini, da Vinci and Fra Filippo Lippi. The two other museums within the Castle's ramparts are the Museum of Applied Arts and the Archaeological Museum and there are lots of unusual little exhibitions showcasing musical instruments, Egyptian art and other unexpected things. There is also a quaint little furniture museum. The castle is vast and to explore it properly you will need a few hours. It is conveniently located in the centre of Milan and the relatively cheap admission cost and amount of material to see encourages repeat visits. The castle grounds are big and lovely for a stroll; visitors can enter them free of charge so it is a good place to come for some fresh air. Castles never cease to captivate the imagination and this ancient fortress is rather unexpected in Milan, making it an exciting attraction.

Address : Piazza Castello

Website : www.milanocastello.it

Opening times : Castle: Open daily from 7am to 6pm (winter), closing at 7pm in summer. Museums: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5.30pm.

Admission : Castle: Free. Museums: €5, with concessions available.

The Orto Botanico di Brera is a botanical garden located behind the Pinacoteca di Brera in the centre of Milan, and is operated by the Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata of the University of Milan. The garden was established in 1774 under the direction of Maria Theresa of Austria, transforming an existing Jesuit garden used by students of medicine and pharmacology. The garden has greenhouses from the 19th century that are now used by the Academy of Fine Arts, as well as flowerbeds and elliptical ponds from the 18th century. Orto Botanico di Brera is home to one of the oldest ginkgo biloba trees in Europe, and various other mature botanical specimens can be found within the grounds. It is a true plant-lover's paradise and a wonderful place to take a stroll and admire the romantic features. The Orto Botanico di Brera is small by botanical garden standards but is well worth visiting for its historical charm and the originality of the mixture of art and nature that often results from the influence of the Academy of Fine Arts. Locals enjoy reading, relaxing and soaking up the sun in this lovely green area and the fact that most tourists never discover the rather well-hidden garden is probably a blessing, as it remains a peaceful and beautiful refuge.

Address : Brera Palace, Via Brera

Website : www.brera.unimi.it/eng/museo/orto/index.html

Telephone : +39 02 50314680

Opening times : Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm, and 3pm to 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Admission : Free

Housing one of Italy's finest collections of medieval and Renaissance art, the 17th-century Pinacoteca di Brera is by far the best collection of northern Italian paintings. Many of the masterpieces here were secured by Napoleon, who used the Palazzo as a storeroom for all the art he confiscated from public and private holdings. An imposing bronze sculpture in his likeness greets visitors as they enter the courtyard. Three of Italy's great masterpieces can be found here, namely Andrea Mantegna's Dead Christ, Raphael's Betrothal of the Virgin, and Piero della Francesca's Madonna with Saints(the Montefeltro Altarpiece). The collection also includes notable works by Caravaggio. One of Milan's most popular tourist attractions, the Pinacoteca di Brera houses mostly religious art and will impress even the uninitiated with its vast collection and the stunning building, which is an attraction in its own right. The paintings and sculptures are well arranged and, unlike some galleries in Italy, there is a decent audio guide in English to supplement the information mounted for each painting, the majority of which are in Italian. There is a student cafe off from the main courtyard where visitors can get refreshments.

Address : Via Brera 28

Website : www.brera.beniculturali.it

Telephone : +39 02 722 631

Opening times : Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 7.15pm. Closed Mondays, New Years Day, 1 May and Christmas Day.

Admission : Adults: €10, Concessions: €7

Nestled in a sheltered inlet within the stretch of the Italian Mediterranean is the coastal fishing village of Portofino which is famous for its picturesque harbour and has become an upmarket resort. It has long been the playground for the rich and famous, attracting the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace. It is not surprising, therefore, that its prices rose to match the exclusivity demanded by its holidaymakers. The scenic surrounds can be explored from the outlying nature reserve, graced with cypress and olive slopes. Set off from here on a 90-minute trek to San Fruttuoso, or a two-and-a-half hour hike to Santa Margherita. Other sights around Portofino include its castle and the lighthouse (faro), with its breathtaking view of the coastline. The most famous beach in the area is the beautiful Paraggi Beach, which is a few minutes up the coast. Other popular beaches nearby include Camogli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante. Portofino is sometimes a victim of its own popularity and can get uncomfortably crowded in the summer months, but it is well worth the effort to spend a few hours exploring this famously scenic and famously celebrity-packed village.

The church and convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in Milan. Located next to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the former monastery's refectory, is Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) and although the church is an attraction in its own right it is this iconic painting that draws so many admirers. The fresco depicts the moment of Christ's revelation of the betrayal. Judas hovers to the right of the painting, with his hand placed protectively on the bag of silver. Scaffolding covers the bottom of the painting (an ongoing restoration project), leaving the rest in full view. Controversy has erupted over the removal of layers of corrective over-painting completed in the 18th and 19th-centuries. The painting has endured more than hot debate, however, as it managed to escape the bombing during WWII that destroyed the roof of the refectory. There are other notable art works and frescoes at Santa Maria delle Grazie and the architecture is amazing - make sure you explore the church as well as see The Last Supper. You have to book in advance to see the painting and can do so online.

Address : Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2, Corso Magenta

Website : www.cenacolovinciano.org

Telephone : +39 02 8942 1146

Opening times : Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 7.30pm. Reservations are essential, and visitors must arrive 15 minutes before their allocated time of visit

Admission : Entry to the church is free but there is a fee to see the painting.