▲ Milan Cathedral is a monumental masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring 135 spires and 3,400 statues that form a white marble wonder. Ascending to the top allows visitors to navigate through a forest of spires while enjoying panoramic views of the city and distant mountains. Inside, 52 massive pillars support a 45-meter-high dome, with stained glass windows casting ethereal light and shadows. The altar enshrines the sacred relic of the "Holy Nail." Beneath the cathedral lies the ruins of a 4th-century church. At dusk, golden twilight drapes the cathedral in solemn grandeur, earning its reputation as a "sculptural masterpiece."
▲ The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Milan's "artistic drawing room." This 19th-century glass-domed arcade connects the cathedral with La Scala opera house in a cruciform structure. Visitors spin for luck on the mosaic bull motif embedded in the floor, while century-old cafés and luxury flagship boutiques line its sides. At dusk, the painted dome and golden reliefs shimmer under the lights, showcasing the elegant grandeur of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
▲ Sforza Castle stands as a monumental witness to Milan's rich history. This 15th-century military fortress was initially built by the Visconti family and later expanded by Duke Sforza into a Renaissance-style court. Its imposing red-brick walls and circular towers create a majestic presence, while Michelangelo's final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, quietly resides in its courtyard. Today transformed into a museum complex, it houses artistic treasures including Leonardo da Vinci's manuscripts. The adjacent Parco Sempione behind the castle serves as a beloved urban retreat, where ancient fortifications harmoniously blend with modern Milan.
▲ Lake Como is a famous glacial lake in Italy, nestled at the southern foot of the Alps and renowned for its mirror-like waters reflecting snow-capped mountains and scattered aristocratic villas. This Y-shaped lake is dotted with medieval towns like Bellagio along its shores, where cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and cafes. Since Roman times, it has been a beloved summer retreat for European nobility, and today its fame has spread further through filming locations for movies like "Star Wars" and "007." Visitors can take a vintage cruise across the lake to admire Baroque gardens along the shore or stroll through the towns while enjoying Italian gelato. Just an hour's drive from Milan, this dreamy destination perfectly blends nature and culture.
