UniMi, the public University of Milan, is my alma mater. But did you know that the Renaissance building that is now the home of the Law and Humanities Faculties was Milan's first hospital? Yup!
The main branch of UniMi is located in Via Festa del Perdono in what used to be the so-called Ca' Granda hospital: the University of Milan was founded in 1923 and today is the biggest Italian university institution.
The beautiful main cloister is surrounded by porches that date back to the late 15th century, and this is where you'll find many artworks and pieces of installation art as part of the famous collateral events of Fuorisalone during the well-known and much-missed Milan's Design Week. If you explore the building further, you'll also see flocks of students chilling in the beautiful icehouse cloister before or after class.
And after a free walk in the main areas, for a full ticket of €12, you'll be able to visit the Archive that contains the documents of the ancient hospital, as well as the Crypt of the Ca' Granda, that is the place where, among other things, Leonardo Da Vinci carried out his studies of anatomy. On top of that, sometimes they even host movie nights in the secret garden (look for Cinema Bianchini online)!
As a Spotter, I know I should be wary of the places that hold too strong of an emotional bond for me. That being said, I'm very happy that UniMi is finally getting the attention it deserves!
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Frizzi & Lazzi" is one of my old-time favorite beer gardens in Milan. It's an unassuming, easy-going place that has become a point of reference since '82.
by
"Ofelé" in Milan is a bistrot bakery that makes some of the best (Sunday) brunches around. It's simply one of my favorite pancake spots in town...
by
"Terrazza 12 Bar" is reminiscent of Tokyo, in that sometimes you have to look up to find the gems. So in Milan - it's on the top floor of Bryan & Barry...
by
"Living Liqueurs & Delights": one of my favorite aperitivo spots in Milan and its first real vodka bar. It has a beautiful bar ambiance & a nice lounge...
by
"Wasabi Bar" is one of the greatest bars in Milan. Why? Because it's great! It's actually tiny, but don't be misled: the drink selection & design are...
by
"Via Solferino" is a central Milan street, yet far away from the crowds. I go there to just look around the shop and I'm sure I can always find I...
by
"DOU" was the first (Asian) restauarant I bumped into in Milan, and it remains one of my favorites in the city. What I like is the selection of cuisines...
by
"Scalo Farini" in Milan is a bar recommended to me by an Isola local as the best aperitivo in town. I can say that I haven't tried any better than this.
by
"Camporino in Galleria" in Milan is where the drink Campari was born. Every time I grab a drink at the bar, I feel as if I stepped into the old city...
by
"San Cristoforo Church" is one of Milan's corners that can really take you back through time. Protip: take a walk along Naviglio Grande in the evening...
by
"Al Fresco" is my Milan cafe/restaurant I'd never visited because it was just next door to my place! Let me tell you, that was a mistake, if only for...
by
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips