Not far from the Sforzesco Castle, there's an outdoor archaeological site, freely open, where you can touch the old history of the city with your own hands. Milan is well known as one of the most powerful cities in Italy during the Middle Ages, but actually, it had great importance for Europe even before.
In fact, during the Roman Empire, in the last years of the 3rd century, Mediolanum (that's the Latin name of the city) became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and it lasted for a long time (from 286 AD to 402 AD). The emperor of that time, Massimianus, wanted a great "domus", or house of the emperor, in the city. At last, he built not only a great house but even a great circus in front of it, where he and other citizens of Milan could watch chariot racing.
If you go around the main archaeological site and look at the ground, you will even find spectacular mosaics that were originally parts of the residence which spanned 80.000 m2. Basically, most of the center of Milan was taken by this giant construction, and if you wander around you'll find in every little corner hidden pieces of it. Unfortunately in the X century, the new inhabitants of Milano, the Longobards, abandoned the palace, and today you'll find only the ruins of it. By the way, it's one of the coolest and most hidden spots in the city so make sure to check it out!
Via Brisa 7
€
free
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.
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It was built in the V century around a stone, which beneath it had the relics of four Christian martyrs who were brutally tortured and then killed...
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Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district.
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Villa Invernizzi is an impressive Milan mansion with its own covey of pink flamingos. They spend their quiet lives in the garden, used to the attention.
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Though Pinocchio's statue is easy to overlook, it serves as a reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting us to see beyond the surface
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On Saint'Eustorgio square stands the statue of Saint Peter of Verona, the crual Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery.
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Locals say via Bagnera is haunted, with the wind carrying whispers of a gruesome legacy. Pause and imagine Milan’s hidden history in this quiet corner.
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AOC's charm is not just in the goods but in the story behind them, shared passionately by the founder’s son and his wife, who now run the store.
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These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.
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Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance.
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Casa 770 striking facade was built to bring a piece of Brooklyn’s spirit to Milan, it’s the only one in Europe, and now it serves as a cultural hub.
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"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
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185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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