• Lifestyle

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...

Milan is going up… It has grown taller, vertically, over the years, to acquire new perspectives, to see further, opening a window on the future.

So here are the "top" buildings of the city - the view from here is spectacular, believe us!

Torre Branca began it all, almost a work of art made of steel, 108.60 metres high, situated in the heart of the Sempione Park. It was designed in 1933 by architect Gio Ponti, for the fifth Triennial exhibition, then restored and returned to the citizens of Milan by the Fratelli Branca distillery, hence its name. One of the panoramic viewpoints that is always open to the public, it is well worth a visit to admire the sight of Milan seen from above, at least once in a lifetime!

2. THE VELASCA TOWER

Think of Milan and you think of, in descending order, the Cathedral, the Sforza Castle and the Torre Velasca. Adored and criticised by enthusiasts and detractors, the building has become part of popular imaginary and, apart from anything, is of historical and cultural importance. On the one hand, for its unquestionable architectural value, interpretation of Brutalism and Neo-Liberty style and for the team of architects who designed it between 1956 and 1958 – the B.B.P.R., that is, Banfi, Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Peressutti and Rogers. On the other hand, for having become over the years a symbol of the economic growth and development of Milan.

Affectionately known as "Il Pirellone", this rationalist building, 127 metres high, is considered one of the finest works of architecture in post-War Milan. Built of glass, steel and concrete between 1956 and 1961, to a design by Gio Ponti, for years it was the headquarters of the Region of Lombardy. Not to be missed, a look at the view from its thirty-first floor, known as the Belvedere, only open on certain days of the year or for special events.

Who supplanted the Pirellone as a government building? Palazzo Lombardia, a modern complex of buildings with a sinusoidal shape covering an area of about 33,700 square metres. As well as the offices of the Region, it houses a nursery, a gym, cafés, restaurants, shops and multifunctional spaces, such as the Giovanni Testori auditorium, that host cultural events. The highest tower reaches 161.30 metres and its pride and joy is the panoramic thirty-ninth floor -looking out from the large windows, all Milan is at your feet! Unfortunately it is only open to the public on special occasions. If you do not want to miss these, you can subscribe to the Region's newsletter, which will keep you updated on all events and new openings.

And for the title of the highest building in Milan, the winner is… the three Unicredit Towers, with their sculptural spire that reaches a height of 231 metres, a spectacular building complex of reflective glass. Their sinuous, dynamic form encloses a new piazza, named after Gae Aulenti, which has become a new public and meeting space, used by citizens and visitors alike.

Take me here: Milan from the Top

On the same topic

Summertime in Lecco

When the days get warm, refresh yourself going to the lake or to the mountains: Lecco offers a lot of outdoor activities
  • Lifestyle
Have you tried cycling downhill?

Mantua and Sabbioneta itinerary

Relax and take some time to stroll through the streets and buildings of the World Heritage cities
  • Lifestyle
3 days in Mantua and Sabbioneta

Summer: camping is the thing to do in Lombardy

Camping holidays in Lombardy: discover the 4 trends for Summer
  • Lifestyle
Estate 2021: il camping è di moda in Lombardia

Aperitifs with lakeside views and atmosphere

Five ideas for spending summer evenings on Lombardy’s lakes, in a sensory journey that combines notes and flavours.
  • Lifestyle
@inlombardia

10 Good reasons to visit Monza

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Monza

Street art brings a splash of colour to Lombardy

Discovering the most beautiful urban art in the cities of Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
La Street Art colora la Lombardia

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale
  • Lifestyle
Varese in un weekend

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.
  • Lifestyle
Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Travelling by underground in Lombardy: between history and curiosity

The Milan and Brescia underground lines: one is the longest underground railway network in Italy, and the other is the least populated of the seven cities in Italy to have an underground railway network. 
  • Lifestyle
Viaggiare in metropolitana in Lombardia, tra storia e curiosità

Fashion district mantova outlet

A small shopping village with big brands and big discounts
  • Lifestyle
Fashion district mantova outlet

A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains

Steam engines, railcars, electric trains, old Centoporte ("one hundred doors") carriages: board these vintage trains for an unforgettable tour of Lombardy's scenic beauty
  • Lifestyle
A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains - Ferrovia Basso Sebino - Foto Banfi archivio fbs fti

Theatre and music: online events

Spettacoli da seguire dal divano di casa
  • Lifestyle
Teatro sociale di Como - @aslico.org

6 villages for an aperitif with a view

An aperitif in Lombardy is an opportunity to rediscover villages that seem suspended in time, with panoramic views to further enhance the experience.
  • Lifestyle
Ph I Mille

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...
  • Lifestyle
Torre Allianz

Pavia in a weekend

On the trail of the Longobardi or among the cloisters of the University, without forgetting flavors and traditions
  • Lifestyle
Pavia in a weekend

Bergamo: shopping and flavours

Shopping in Bergamo is divided between Città Alta and Città Bassa. The promise: artisan shops, historic cafes, fashionable shop windows
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo: shopping and flavours

Bergamo to Lake Iseo

Seventy-two hours to discover Bergamo Alta and Lake Iseo, culture, bike rides and delicious tastings
  • Lifestyle
Da Bergamo al Lago d'Iseo

Bergamo itinerary

Upper and lower, the city that combines the opposites will satisfy your expectations
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo day trip

The treasures to discover in the province of Varese

From nature to art to cycling, what to see and do in a little-known corner of Lombardy.
  • Lifestyle
Drone view of Lake Varese. View of the Monte Rosa massif.

10 reasons to visit Brescia

Two cathedrals. The monumental area of the Roman Forum. The lakes of the Iseo and Garda. 10 good reasons to visit Brescia
  • Lifestyle
10 reasons to visit Brescia