In the last twenty years, Milan has seen some very interesting buildings from an architectural point of view. We have devised a walking tour of the city, lasting about two to three hours, for architecture enthusiasts or those who want to keep their noses to the ground.

There are no entrance fees or tours inside the buildings. You can do part of the route on the metro if you are tired or it is too hot to walk. And, of course, you can walk the stages in the order you prefer.

Piazza Velasca (MM Missori stop, yellow line 3)

Above you will see the Torre Velasca, one of the most talked-about buildings in the centre of Milan. Beautiful or ugly? You decide.

Built in the 1950s, it was immediately the subject of heated debate as to whether it was ugly or not. Certainly, its architecture is unique and well represents the Italian attempt to find new stylistic paths after World War II.

This building caused much controversy at the time of its construction. But today it has become an integral part of the Milanese ‘panorama’.

From here take Via Larga, in front of you, and then turn into Via Rastrelli: you will find yourself after a short walk (and turning into Via Pecorari) behind the Royal Palace. Cross its courtyard to find yourself in Piazza Duomo.

The Duomo of Milan

It may seem trivial to stop here, but historically and traditionally this place is important. Above the Duomo, in fact, you see a statue of the Madonna, called ‘la Madonnina’ by the Milanese. Traditionally, no building in Milan can be taller than the Madonnina, i.e. more than 108.5 metres. In the 1930s, this tradition was turned into an actual law: the construction sites of the Torre Velasca (which you saw earlier) and Giò Ponti’s Torre Branca were prevented from exceeding this height.

In the following decades, the law was abolished, but the tradition was strong in the city’s culture. How to respect it without halting the urban development and progress of the city? The solution was to bring a copy of the statue to the top of the building that, as time passed, became the tallest in Milan. Thus, the Madonnina would continue to tower over everything.

The copy was first installed at the Pirelli skyscraper (known as ‘Pirellone’), then at Palazzo Lombardia (161 metres high) and, since 22 November 2015, at the Isozaki Tower, 209.2 metres high.

Don’t panic: these three palaces are the next destinations on our tour.

The Pirelli Skyscraper (Pirellone)

If you want to walk from the Duomo to the Pirellone, you can follow the directions on Google Maps or similar apps. You will have a nice walk in the centre, probably crossing Via Manzoni, walking along the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens and crossing the entire Piazza della Repubblica.

If you prefer to take the metro, go to the Duomo station of the MM3 Yellow line and take a train towards Comasina. Watch out for pickpockets, of course. You have to get off at Centrale.

You will find yourself in a square: if the Central Station is behind you, the Pirelli Skyscraper is in front of you, on the right.

Designed by a team of architects, including Gio Ponti (who also directed the work), the Pirellone was completed in 1961. For years this building was the seat of the Lombardy Region (today it houses the Regional Council) and the highest point in all of Milan.

In 2002 he was hit by a small tourist plane: an event that many Milanese people remember very well.

While you’re at it, have a look at the architecture of the Central Station. We’ll talk about it in our tour of 20th-century Milan. When you’re ready, let’s go to the next stop.

Palazzo Lombardia

We walk, it only takes a few minutes. It will be hard to miss the seat of the Regional Administration. Set Piazza Città di Lombardia as your destination.

Take a few minutes to walk in the open space between the two buildings, covered by a glass wall. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a local produce market there, or a cheese or wine tasting. Great for a break.

The Bosco Verticale

Leave Piazza Città di Lombardia, take Via Restelli and turn left. Then enter via Gaetano de Castilla. You are in the Isola district and in front of you rise the most photographed residential buildings in Milan. The Bosco Verticale.

These are private dwellings, which cannot be visited and are very exclusive. Their unique feature is the presence of many plants, hence the name. The balance between building and vegetation is perfect and is so delicate that the inhabitants do not take care of the upkeep of the greenery, which is carried out by the building administration instead.

Piazza Gae Aulenti

A few steps and you will be on Via Gae Aulenti, passing by the Passeggiata Luigi Veronelli and enjoying the park around you.

This ‘new square’ in Milan is home to tall modern buildings, with the UniCredit bank’s headquarters soaring with its spire, always illuminated at night. You can see it change colour, to celebrate special events or occasions.

The advice is to explore the pedestrian area around the square a bit. Take the Gioia footbridge towards Alvar Aalto Square to find a number of modern buildings, headquarters of large companies, and luxury homes.

These include the IBM Studios, reminiscent of a large wicker basket; the Solaria Tower, a tall building of exclusive housing; the Diamond Tower (housing the offices of BNP Paribas).

When you have seen everything, we are ready for the next stage.

City Life

The City Life district has been built over the last 15 years and houses, just like the Piazza Gae Aulenti area, both offices of large companies and prestigious homes.

We can walk there in about 30 minutes. Or by metro. A few minutes’ walk away is the Monumental Cemetery, if you fancy a visit to an alternative location, from which you can take the MM5 Lilla metro line to City Life.

Otherwise, next to Piazza Gae Aulenti is Porta Garibaldi Station, where the MM5 Lilla stops.

In all cases, the destination is Piazza Tre Torri, Tre Torri stop of the MM5.

City Life stands in a park and is home to three skyscrapers, including the Isozaki Tower which is now the highest point in Milan. As you walk through the park, you will also notice some luxury residences, inaugurated in recent years.

If you feel like shopping, there is a modern shopping centre with all kinds of shops and several options for a snack, lunch or dinner.