Milan is a city that never stops surprising.
From our terrace overlooking the spires of the Duomo — one of the city’s most iconic views — an ideal route begins, leading you to discover fascinating, curious corners often far from the usual tourist paths.
This is why we created Discovery Milano: a small itinerary to enjoy before or after a visit to Obicà Duomo, taking you through four places that reveal an unexpected side of the city.
First stop: Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Our first stop is the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, a Renaissance jewel hidden among the buildings of Via Torino. Built at the end of the 15th century, it houses one of the most famous perspective illusions in art history: Bramante’s “impossible” apse, which appears deep but is actually just 97 centimetres long. A masterpiece of ingenuity that never fails to leave visitors speechless.
Second stop: Piazza Mercanti
Halfway between Piazza Duomo and Via Dante lies Piazza Mercanti, one of the most evocative corners of medieval Milan. Once the city’s commercial and administrative heart, it still preserves the harmony of its original buildings, loggias and arches, along with an atmosphere where the past seems beautifully intact.
Third stop: Alessandro Manzoni’s House
Just a few minutes away, in a quiet square behind Via Manzoni, you’ll find Alessandro Manzoni’s House, the residence where the writer lived and died. An intimate, timeless place where The Betrothed took shape, and where the spirit of 19th-century Milan still lingers in the air.
Fourth stop: Casa degli Omenoni
Finally, just steps from Teatro alla Scala, Casa degli Omenoni appears almost unexpectedly. Built in 1565 by sculptor Leone Leoni, its façade is supported by eight monumental telamons — the “Omenoni” — colossal stone figures that make this palace one of the most striking and photographed sights in the historic centre.
Discover the full itinerary, stop by stop.
And after being captivated by Milan’s charm, there’s no better way to end the journey than stopping by Obicà Duomo: our terrace overlooking the spires, a cuisine that celebrates Italian quality, and a truly unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.
