Plaza Sights in Milan — 3 of Our Favourites

1. Arco della Pace (The Peace Arch), Northwest Milan

This grand monument, reaching 25 metres in height, was built at the beginning of the 19th century and sits in the centre of Sempione Square. Its marked Neo-Classical style features ornamental marble statues.

The arch was completed in 1838, taking 31 years to construct, and commemorates the European peace signed in 1815 at the Vienna Congress after the Napoleonic Wars. However, it was initially a monument to the Napoleonic victory over Italy.

Began in 1807 with a design by Luigi Cagnola, works stopped in 1814 when the French empire fell. Two-thirds of the structure had already been built, as well as statues dedicated to History and Poetry. Construction resumed in 1826 under Austrian emperor Francis I, who decided to dedicate it to the peace of Vienna.

On the top, there is a striking bronze “Sestiga” (a chariot drawn by six horses and lead by Minerva) which faces the centre of Milan. The statue was made by Abbondo Sangiorgio.

2. Piazza del Duomo, Milan - Centre

This sweeping square, the grandest in the city, is flanked by several famous sights and landmarks. Most notably the Duomo cathedral, but also the 19th-century shopping arcade the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the 18th-century Palazzo Reale.

In contrast to the historical buildings, it also features the modern twin buildings of the Arengario, a government building erected during the Fascist era.

The origins of the Piazza can be traced back to the 14th century, when Azzone Visconti, lord of Milan, ordered the demolition of the taverns that surrounded the basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla. The square was enlarged throughout the centuries and redesigned in the 19th century. Nowadays it is dominated by a statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy

It is located in the city centre and is easily reached by the metropolitan railway. Forming the hub of the city, where many of its principal thoroughfares intersect, the Piazza del Duomo, a popular habitat for flocks of pigeons, is strolled and strode across by literally thousands of people, tourists and locals, every day.

3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan - Centre

Reputedly the oldest shopping arcade in the world, this 19th-century glamorous, 4-storey, arcaded shopping gallery features a rich mosaic floor and a spectacular iron and glass roof complete with cupola that connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala.

Built between 1865 and 1877 according to a design by Giuseppe Mengoni, it consists of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon topped with a glass dome. The floor mosaics depict the coat of arms of the capitals of the kingdom of Italy: Turin, Florence, Rome and, of course, Milan.

One of Milan's most recognisable landmarks, it houses upmarket boutiques, the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci, as well as the Prada flagship store. There's also an exclusive silverware store called Bernasconi, and institutions such as Biffi Cafe, founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch - though you should expect to pay 10€ for a cappuccino on the terrace!