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Castello Sforzesco, Milan

Milan’s most important Renaissance building was originally a 14th-century fortress, complete with massive fortifications, a moat, barracks, a prison and a courtyard, before being converted to a residence by then-duke Franceso Sforza. Upcoming artist Leonardo da Vinci frescoed many of the rooms. The tower and much of the building is rebuilt and the courtyard, Cortile…

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Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Milan

This basilica was founded in 379 AD by Milan’s patron saint, Saint Ambrose. It remains one of the few remaining examples of medieval Lombard architecture, though it underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions throughout the years. One showpiece is the decorative canopy supported by four ancient Roman columns. Under the canopy is an elaborate 9th-century gold…

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Chiesa di San Lorenzo Maggiore, Milan

This 4th-century octagonal basilica is the oldest church in Milan. It was substantially rebuilt in the 11th century after a devastating fire and numerous earthquakes, heavily renovated in the 16th century and completely restored in the 1930s. Since it was built on unstable, marshy ground, the entire structure sits on enormous blocks of foundation taken…

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Museo Poldi-Pezzoli, Milan

Museo Poldi-Pezzoli is my favorite art museum in Milan, mostly because it’s an outstanding collection and partly because I love viewing other people’s art in the context of their homes. 19th-century art collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli lived here. Pezzoli collected Italian Renaissance paintings and decorative arts such as porcelain, textiles and jewelry. Pezzoli’s family…