About this experience
In the program, I have collected secret places that are almost impossible to find on your own. In the labyrinths of streets, ancient churches, and picturesque courtyards just steps away from the main arteries, you will hear stories, legends, and facts from the lives of modern Milanese, after which Milan will never be the same.
What to expect
Following the ancient and great
You will see where Roman emperors lived in ancient Milan and where they went to watch chariot races. You will discover a 4th-century mosaic from the imperial palace under your feet. You will visit the place where the apostle Barnabas baptized ancient Celts 2000 years ago. You will uncover the place Leonardo da Vinci called the heart of Milan and find out if the genius was right—I will tell you what archaeologists discovered here. You will find stone animals from the Middle Ages in the unforgettable courtyard of a church founded in the 4th century. There you will see the emblem of the Templar order and learn how modern Templars are connected to the Masons. And inside, you will admire a rare portrait mosaic.
Unexplored and curious details
You will visit the only church in the world with a star on its dome instead of a cross. You will hear how Friedrich Barbarossa is linked to this place and why the Milanese humorously sought revenge against him and his wife. You will step into the picturesque courtyard of the "secret museum" and admire some of its treasures. You will learn why people started saying "Bless you!" to sneezing individuals and how this is connected to a fresco by Leonardo's student in the church of an ancient monastery, known as Milan's "Sistine Chapel." You will also discover the history behind the creation of an indecent sculpture opposite a landmark building from the fascist era and an old secret of the Stock Exchange building.
Additionally
In an absolutely unexpected place, you will find the entrance to a tower built 2000 years ago, visit it, and learn why Milan is a city on water, what "Milan" actually means and how it is connected to water and Tolkien's books. You will learn where all the Milanese rivers disappeared to, why Mussolini buried canals in the center of Milan, and where else you can walk along them. And of course, we will not overlook the addresses of the best cheese shops, places for aperitifs, and gelato.
If you are visiting Milan for the first time, during the walk, you will discover the secrets of its most famous landmarks. For instance, you will decipher a message that the builders of the Milan Cathedral encoded in its architecture 600 years ago and uncover the mysteries of the Sforza Castle (observe the cathedral from the outside without going inside).
Guided tips
I enjoy creating personalized routes, so I can tailor the tour to your interests. Milan is a huge city, and there are secrets enough for everyone! Additionally, I will share with you addresses where you can go next time: I will tell you how to get to the antique market, where pink flamingos live in the center of Milan, where a bamboo forest grows, and where to go for the best contemporary art exhibitions. I will do everything for you to fall in love with Milan and want to come back, knowing that you now have a friend to turn to for advice. Get ready to walk a lot and take exciting photos!
Organizational details
The program can be expanded to include:
- A Renaissance masterpiece with the Horned Madonna and a rainbow ceiling, entrance fee: €6 per person, no ticket needed for the guide
- An underground church of astonishing beauty with a marble floor where Julius Caesar and Emperor Constantine walked—€8/person, no ticket needed for the guide
- A chapel with 4th-century mosaics and an underground area with amphitheater ruins—€2/person, including the guide
- External exploration of the Milan Cathedral will take an additional half an hour, the Sforza Castle—an extra hour. They can replace part of the main program.
