At first Milan doesn't strike as a very historical city in comparison to other Italian cities (i.e. Rome or Florence). But if you take your time and have the patience to look around, you will be surprised at how many corners in Milano take back you in time.
One of those places is the San Cristoforo Church. It is located on the Naviglio Grande canal (I dare to say one of the most beautiful areas of Milan). The church was initially built as a chapel in the 12th century and played an important role throughout the centuries. When you stand at the small village-style square and look at the church facade, you have the feeling that you have escaped away from the loud city. Walking inside, you will realise immediately the building has been standing there since 10 centuries - old icon work, the smell of candles, everything is a reminder of 'time'.
If you pass by the church on the weekend afternoons, there's a very big chance you will catch a glimpse of an Italian wedding. Otherwise, you will find locals sitting on the benches at the small church square, licking a delicious ice cream and chit chatting away.
My secret advice - take a walk along the Naviglio Grande in the early evening up to the San Cristoforo church and explore it inside; then grab an amazing pistachio ice cream from the nearby ice cream shop and watch the sun go down at the small pedestrian bridge, just across the church.
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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