Brera is a district rich in history, art and culture. Dotted with shops, showrooms and trendy galleries, this area is home to Milan's design district.

In this fascinating tangle of streets and alleys, many events are organized during the Salone del Mobile and Fuori Salone furniture trade shows.

The Brera area of Milan is a popular destination for students of the Academy and those seeking out a bohemian setting for enjoying a drink or to go shopping.

Going in the direction of Via Solferino - a few steps from Via Brera - you will discover churches that are authentic treasures, such as the church of San Marco.

One of the district's most important buildings is Palazzo di Brera. At the centre of the rectangular courtyard stands the bronze statue of Napoleon I created in 1809 by Antonio Canova. Today, Palazzo di Brera is home to the Brera Art Gallery, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Braidense Library, the offices of the astronomical and meteorological observatory and the Botanical Gardens.

The Brera Art Gallery has 38 rooms featuring a collection of masterpieces by Italian artists from the 14th to the 19th century and major foreign artists. Among the most famous artists: Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Raphael, Bramante, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Bellini and Bronzino.

Be sure to drop by the Brera Market every third Sunday of the month, when the streets of Via Brera and Via Fiori Chiari come alive with antique stalls selling jewelry, blown glass and modern wares .