English

Milan from above



“I could easily remain a guest in the sky on top of the Cathedral of Milan.” (Hermann Melville)

Milan is fascinating when seen from above: spires, towers, skyscrapers, tiled roofs, flowered terraces, and penthouses made of steel and glass are all part of the scenery.
The starting point is a visit to the famous gilded statuette, the Madonnina, which gleams on top of the Cathedral, 108.5 metres above the ground.
Nearby, there is what is often described as a “home in the clouds”: Terrazza Martini, on the top floor of a building in Piazza Diaz. From here you can see the entire city from above, and Milan’s jet-set close to. A building that is easily recognizable by its cantilevered shape, Torre Velasca was designed by the Milanese architects Banfi, Belgioioso, Peressutti and Rogers who were inspired by the Rocchetta of the Castello Sforzesco. Not far from the castle is Torre Branca which looks down onto the green setting of Parco Sempione. 
Back in Corso Venezia, we can draw inspiration from the heavens by visiting the Civico Planetario “Ulrico Hoepli”. Under its unique dome, we can observe the planets and constellations.
Finally, towards the Stazione Centrale (Central Station), we see the spectacular Pirelli Tower. This famous building, designed by several Italian architects but above all by Gio Ponti and Antonio Fornaroli, is a symbol of Milanese talent and creativity.

Stages list

Morning

  • The Madonnina on the Cathedral spire
    The true symbol of Milan, affectionately known as the Madonnina, shines down from the tallest spire of the Cathedral.
  • Terrazza Martini
    Since its opening in April 1958, this terrace (designed by architect Tommaso Buzzi) has hosted celebrities, famous scientists and stars from the fashion world.
  • Torre Velasca
    This tower was built from 1956 to 1958 by a group of architects including Banfi, Belgioioso, Peressutti and Rogers. It reaches a height of 106 metres, and it is distinctive for its unusual cantilevered architecture.
  • Torre Branca
    Designed by Gio Ponti but built by an engineer named Chiodi in just two years, this tower was constructed for the 5th Triennale exhibition in 1933. It stands 109.95 metres high, and it has a terrace offering a panoramic view.

Evening

  • Civico Planetario
    Founded in 1930, the “Ulrico Hoepli” Planetarium is still the largest in Italy. Its system of mechanical optics, which projects images of the heavens on a dome 20 meters in diameter, is unsurpassed. You can learn to recognize the stars, planets and constellations while listening to lectures and guided tours of the night sky.
  • Grattacielo Pirelli
    This tall building has been the headquarters of the Region of Lombardy since 1978. It is 127 metres high, and it is commonly referred to as the “Pirellone”.