Around us

A few metres from Camperio House, there are the main symbols of Milan and its history. Sforza Castle is a majestic XVth century structure and one of the largest castles in Europe. It houses masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Andrea Mantegna and Bramanti, in addition to many art and armoury collections.

A few minutes away from the hotel there is the most characteristic monument of the Lombard capital city, the Milan Cathedral dedicated to St Mary of the Nativity, it is the third biggest church in the world in terms of size and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The headquarters of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo and the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), where exhibitions and art and cultural events are held, can be seen nearby.

The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous theatres in the world and has hosted the greatest international artists for over 200 years.  The opening night of the opera season is traditionally the evening of St Ambrose’s Day,  7 December.  This is an eagerly awaited cultural, institutional and social event in Milanese and Italian cultural circles.

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a noteworthy building of the Italian Renaissance in northern Italy.  It also contains, in the refectory, Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper. This famous fresco also has a central role in Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”, which has helped to make it popular worldwide.

Not to be passed up during a stay in Milan is a visit to the renowned shopping district Via Montenapoleone: a hub of prêt-à-porter and one of the most luxurious areas of the city. Fashionistas should also visit Via della Spiga, another Milan haute couture shopping street.

Shoppers will also love to visit one of the earliest examples of shopping arcade in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The “salotto di Milano” (social centre of Milan) is one of the finest examples of nineteenth century commercial architecture, it contains elegant shops and businesses, connecting Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala. A local tradition is that of closing one’s eyes and twisting one’s foot atop the bull’s testicles (a symbol of strength and power) on the mosaic – it’s supposed to bring fortune and prosperity.

The area known as the Navigli, extends along the ancient canals of the city and is the centre of Milanese night life, with restaurants, cocktail bars and all types of venues, enjoyable both by day or night.

Parco Sempione is the green lung of Milan, with its almost 400 thousand square metres of greenery, near Sforza Castle. A respite in nature not far from the centre and Camperio House.