Matteo Banchi

Milan

Spotter since 2015

About me

About Me

Ciao! I’m Matteo, a Milanese explorer with a knack for uncovering the unexpected and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me. Born and raised in Milan, I’m easy-going yet always seeking that next unforgettable moment, whether it’s tucked away in a quiet piazza, caught in the buzz of an open-air market, or found on some wild adventure far from home.

I’m fascinated by people—their quirks, their stories, and the small connections that make life feel big. Whether it’s a stranger’s laugh, a perfect sunset, or a hidden corner of Milan that nobody seems to notice, I live for those moments that make you stop and think, “Now, this is what it’s all about.”

I’ve filled my life with travel, photography, and writing, and I’m not stopping anytime soon. I’ve leapt from planes over Egypt, hitched rides across Europe with strangers who became friends, and sailed under stars on the Atlantic Ocean. And yet, it’s often the quiet, hidden spots in Milan that surprise me most.

Why Milan?

Milan is a city of contrasts. One day, I was near the Duomo when I stumbled upon a street pianist surrounded by a crowd, all spellbound. His music drew in everyone—families, students, tourists, even businesspeople lost in their routines. For those few minutes, life was paused. When I asked him why he played there, he smiled and said, “Because the unexpected is always spectacular.”

That’s Milan. It’s a city full of secrets, where beneath the concrete, there’s always a touch of green, a spark of creativity, and a bit of magic waiting to be found. Come along—I’d love to show you the Milan that’s waiting to surprise you!

Where can you find me online?

Website: click here
Instagram: click here

My spots (20)

Villa Invernizzi

Secret Flamingo Oasis

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.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

Pinocchio's Statue

Reflection on Transformation

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

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

Saint Peter Martyr's Column

Look Up: The Story

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.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

African Oriental Craft

Treasures Hidden Gem

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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Shopping

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

Sulfur Water Fountains

A Glimpse into the Past

These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

Bagnera Street

Milan's Darkest Alley

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.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

The 770 House

A Little Slice of Brooklyn in Milan

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.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025

Backdoor43

Smallest, Most Mysterious Bar

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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Bars

By

Matteo

Banchi

Feb 27, 2025
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