Lombardy suggested itineraries

Milan's cathedral, with its soaring spires and wonderfully ornate façade, is the most famous of the city's historic buildings and, without shadow of doubt, Italy's finest example of Gothic architecture. Although the first stone was laid by the Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti in 1386, building work continued for some 400 years. Inside the cathedral, comprised of a central nave and 4 side aisles, visitors can admire the majestic tomb of Gian Giacomo dei Medici, and Marco D'Agrate's stunning 16th century sculpture of St Bartolomeo.

To the right of the cathedral, there is the Palazzo Reale, an elegant building reconstructed in neo classical style by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini. Next to Palazzo Reale there is the Arengario, an exhibition center built during the fascist period, which will soon house the city's Museum of the 20th century.

The Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery is often described as the sumptuous drawing room where Milan's high society meet. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni, the gallery was constructed between 1865 and 1877. Today, the gallery is the ideal starting point from where to indulge in a spree in the designer shops which line the nearby via della Spiga, and via Montenapoleone. Close to Milan's elegant shopping district we find the Scala theatre and opera house, built in the late 1770's by Giuseppe Piermarini. The Scala takes its name from the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, which previously occupied the site.

St Ambrogio was the man responsible for the construction of the 9th century Basilica, built on the land where the martyrs Gervasio and Protasio were buried. Altered on various occasions over the centuries, today the Basilica of St Ambrogio represents a splendid example of Romanesque architecture, complete with fabulous porticoed atrium preceding the arched façade of the church. On either side of the basilica there is a bell tower. The lower of the two, known as the "Monaco" bell tower, dates back to the 13th century when the Basilica functioned as Benedictine Abbey. The older, "Canonici" tower, was erected in the 12th century.

Not far from the Basilica of St Ambrogio we find the 15th century Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, displaying a combination of gothic and renaissance architectural styles considered to be of such undisputed artistic value as to have been included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The refectory of the Dominican complex is home to Leonardo Da Vinci's awe-inspiring "Last Supper".

Surrounded by the green of the city's Sempione Park we find another symbol of Milan: the Sforzesco Castle. Constructed in the 15th century under the reign of Francesco Sforza, the castle was rebuilt in the late 19th century by the architect Luca Beltrami. The immense square edifice is surrounded by a deep moat, created so as to defend the internal Piazza d'Armi. Visitors enter "via the Filarete" tower, reconstructed by Beltrami in 1905, on the site of the original. On either side of the façade, there is a sturdy cylindrical shaped tower, dating back to 1455. Today, the interiors of the castle house a number of fascinating exhibitions and art collections. The Rondanini Pietà by Michelangelo and frescoes of Leonardo da Vinci are, undoubtedly, the most important of the masterpieces located within the castle walls.

The districts of Navigli and Brera have become synonymous with the vibrant Milan "by night". Brera is also well worth visiting during the day, so as to visit the Art Museum and admire the works of world-renowned artists such as Piero della Francesca, Raphael and Caravaggio.