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Many travellers view Milan as simply a gateway to the rest of Italy and pass through it without pausing to truly appreciate what the city has to offer. While Milan may not have the romantic charm of Florence or the magical waterways of Venice, for an art lover the entire city is a secret gem that you may not have to share with hordes of crowds! Once you land in Milan, transfer as quickly as you can to your accommodation and then hit the art trail. You will not be disappointed! Where to Go • Pinacoteca di Brera Located in the Accademia di Belle Arti, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious art schools, this gallery is home to an impressive collection of Old Masters and Italian masterpieces. The Pinacoteca di Brera museum holds work by Raphael, Titian, Bellini, Veronese, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Bramante and Piero della Francesca. Other (non-Italian) highlights include work by Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Goya, Hayez, and Mantegna. The museum also has a fascinating glass-walled restoration laboratory where you can observe conservation in action. • Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie It is best to plan ahead for a visit to the prize jewel of the Basilica, none other than da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. The fact that this brief tour sells out months in advance is testament to its worth. The famous mural is breath-taking in real life and a trip to Milan would not be complete without a visit to this beautiful church and her famous resident. • Museo Poldi Pezzoli Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli was born into one of Italy’s aristocratic families and inherited a love of art. After inheriting his fortune at the age of 24 he undertook the challenge of gathering a collection that included paintings of Piero della Francesca, Sandro Botticelli, Antonio del Pollaiolo, Andrea Mantegna, Francesco Guardi, Giovanni Bellini and Bernardo Daddi, as well as many valuable items of furniture, bronzes, weapons, pottery, carpets and goldsmith's works. Pezzoli restored his father’s palace with the intention of housing his magnificent works of art which he left to the people of Milan upon his death. Today, the Sala d’Artiste is a work of art in its own right and certainly a worthy home for this sumptuous collection of masterpieces. • Galleria d’Arte Moderna Milan’s ‘Modern Art Gallery’ may seem a little dated but its collection was cutting-edge at the time. This gallery is home to works dating from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries and includes masterpieces by Gaugin, Manet and van Gogh. • Museo del Novecento This museum is built around a futuristic spiral ramp which is appropriate for the home of some of Milan’s best twentieth-century art. The Museo del Novecento displays works by Campiglia, de Chirico, Umberto Boccioni and Marinetti. Situated overlooking the Piazza del Duomo, the gallery also offers stunning views of the cathedral. Well Worth the Time Dedicated art lovers generally find Milan to be one of their favourite destinations. The city itself has its own particular charm if you know where to look for it. Its greatest attribute, however, is its fairly ‘overlooked’ status which means that the artistic treasures it holds can be observed and appreciated without massive crowds jostling for the best, yet brief, view. As with most Italian destinations, a single visit is rarely enough. Milan offers so many attractions that it will surely leave you planning you next visit even before your departure! How to Get There Milan Airport is one of Italy’s major hubs of travel activity. Flights from the UK are frequent and fairly affordable. It is best to avoid tackling driving in Italy as the Italians’ notorious reputation for driving conditions holds true in the busy city. After booking your flight go ahead and schedule a shuttle to and from your hotel. Shuttle Direct offers extremely affordable ground transportation services from the airport. The company selects the best, most knowledgeable local drivers to pick you up at the airport in Milan, transfer you to your accommodation, and all without breaking a sweat in the traffic! Milan’s treasures will soon be at your doorstep as you enjoy the city that is an art lovers’ paradise. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Milan transfer, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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