 The basilica of “S. Ambrogio”;  The Scala Theatre;  The Vittorio Emanuele arcade;  Saint Maria  The Duomo;  The Sforza Castle;  The Egyptian collection.

The basilica of St. Ambrose is sixteen century old and represents the history of Milan. Originally founded in 379 by Saint Ambrose, Milan's first bishop and the city's patron saint. It is the finest medieval building in Milan. The basilica is one of best examples of Lombard Romanesque architecture.

St. Ambrose’S contains beautiful treasures: the fine rib vaulting; the beautiful pulpit; the altar decorated with gold, silver and precious gems from the 9th century; the mosaic of the apse; the frescoes by Tiepolo; the shining mosaics in the chapel of Saint Vittore, 1600 years old.

Like early Christian basilicas, in front of and attached to this church there is a colonnaded atrium. Many Lombard churches, like this one, are made of red brick (clay colour in this region is deep red) and are also characterized by tall square bell towers. The south tower, the Old Monk's Tower, dates back to the 10th century while the taller north one, the Canon's Tower, dates from the 12th century. The huge gable over the nave and aisles is also characteristic of Lombard churches.

The Arcade designed and built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni links the two central squares: Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. In the Second World War bombing caused destruction. Then it was restored.

The “galleria” is a wonderful building that dominates the square with its triumphal arch. Today it is a center for both cultural and social activities with its book and record shops, giant cafés, and famous restaurants. Other particularities are the 4 mosaics on the floor

The “Galeria” links up the “Piazza della Scala”, which today is very popular all over the world for its theatre. On January 19th 2002 the Scala Theatre was transferred to the new Arcimboldi Theatre during the renovation works. It was re- opened on 7th December 2004, and now anyone can see the neoclasic façade.

The “Duomo”is the Cathedral of Milan and is one of the most famous buildings in Europe. It is the third largest Roman Catholic cathedral. It is 157 meters long— 40,000 people can stand comfortably inside. The main spire is 109 meters high. The great windows of the choir are considered the largest in the world. It is a particularly elaborate example of Gothic Catthedral. The colors are a strong mixture of gray, yellow, brown, rose and violet.

The cathedral is made of white marble and has a cross-shaped plan. The forest of 135 pinnacles, and the rich embellishment with statuary identifies it as Late Gothic. In this forest you can look at the “Madonnina”, which is a gold statue rappresenting the Vergin. The façade is a mixed of baroque and neogothic style.

The street plan of Milan, with streets either radiating from the Duomo or circling it, reveals that the Duomo occupies the most important site. Duomo’s Square

The Sforza Castle, one of the most famous monuments in Milan, was demolished and rebuilt several times, becoming a symbol of both happy and dramatic events of the city life.

Between 1447 and 1859… The old little fortress called 'Porta Giovia' was built from 1360 to 1370 along Milan's medieval walls. Galeazzo II Visconti decided to have this fortress built basically as a defence. After Filippo Maria Visconti’s death in 1447 the fortress was demolished. Three years later, in 1450, general Francesco Sforza became Duke of Milan. The Castle was rebuilt on the ancient foundations of the Visconti Castle.

In 1466, Francesco Sforza's successor Galeazzo Maria transformed the courtyard inside the Castle facing the park into a luxury residence. With the Unification of Italy (1861), Milan and its Castle could recover the cultural and public function that that it has nowadays.

THE EGYPTIAN COLLECTION In the “Castello Sforzesco” dungeon is hosted the Egyptian collection showing usages and customs of the fascinating people of the Nile. This is the map of the musuem:

The first room is dedicated to the funeral cult with papyri and wood sarcophagi sculptured and painted In the second room statuettes, sculptures and daily objects narrate the Egyptian daily life.

SANTA MARÍA DELLE GRAZIE The church is in gothic style. The presbytery was built by Bramante and on the left there is the wonderful chapel of the “Madonna delle Grazie” with pictures of the XV century. In the church you can also see an ancient vestry.The church is in gothic style. The presbytery was built by Bramante and on the left there is the wonderful chapel of the “Madonna delle Grazie” with pictures of the XV century. In the church you can also see an ancient vestry.

Next to the church is situaded the refrectory where Leonardo da Vinci painted the “The Last Supper”.

This is the end of the presentation on Milan. Thanks for your attention!