University of Milan Milan

A magical building

Vladislav from Milan

"What you will find when you get there is a great columned cloister, some gardens, a church, so many statues, Roman ruins... It's a place full of history."

If you are in the center of the city near Duomo, you must visit the University of Milan building on the street Festa del Perdono 7. It's a Renaissance-style building that was established by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milano (the same who built the Castello Sforzesco). It was used as a hospital until the beginning of the 20th century, more precisely 1923, when the minister Gentile of the fascist government wanted to create a new great university of Milan.

The structure is still the same as in past centuries; nothing has really changed. So, what you find when you get there is a great columned cloister, and then there are some gardens, a church, so many statues, Roman ruins and so on. It's a place full of history! Suitable, by the way, for the students inside, as you can find yourself in the middle of a philosophical or historical debate, as here you will also find the Faculty of Humanities.

This year marks the first century since the University was founded, and so many events are going to be organised there. The entrance is open, and the place is free to visit: you can even go and follow a lesson if you want, as they are accessible to the public. Check it out!

Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Milan Spotter Vladislav

I'm a student at the University of Milan, currently pursuing a master's degree in Medieval Literature studies. I'm a great traveller, and I love art, literature, and learning foreign languages. And above all, I love everything that gives the opportunity to learn or discover something new. Why Milan? What I like most about my city, Milan, is that, like in many other cities in Italy, even if you have lived here since you were born, you can still feel like a tourist. In Milan, every little corner has its own history and particularities, and an entire lifetime is not enough to e...

About this spot

via festa del perdono 7

€

free

Website

Oct 14, 2025

Our Milan City Guide

Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Frizzi & Lazzi

Your favorite beer garden ever

"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.

Bars

Restaurants

Susanna

Baggio

Dec 6, 2025

Ofelé

My go-to place for Sunday brunch

"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...

Restaurants

Snacks

Carmen

Condeescu

Dec 6, 2025

Living Liqueurs & Delights

Fashion and aperitivo

"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...

Bars

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

DOU

Dim Sum paradise

"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...

Restaurants

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Terrazza 12 Bar

Back to the '50s

"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...

Bars

Snacks

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Wasabi Bar

Williamsburg in Milan

"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...

Bars

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Via Solferino

Independent shopping

"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...

Shopping

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Al Fresco

A meeting place with food and dining

"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...

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Scalo Farini

Great aperitivo

"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.

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Straf Bar

Unexpectedly cool

"Straf Bar" Milan is a peculiar place - even though it's next to Duomo, it's one of the coolest spots in town. Protip: grab one of the "benches" outside...

Bars

Snacks

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

QC Terme Milano

Total relax in the city

"QC Terme Milano" is the place for you if you're just a bit tired. Honestly, I wouldn't have expected to find a spa like this in the city...

Relaxing

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Frida

Chilling in alternative & hip Isola

"Frida" Milan is one of the places that for me defines the spirit of Isola. It's a great bar with affordable drinks, a great terrace and cool people...

Bars