PRIVATE WALKING TOUR: Neoclassical Milan. From Enlightenment to Empire

PRIVATE WALKING TOUR: Neoclassical Milan. From Enlightenment to Empire

Step back in time to the 18th and early 19th centuries, when Milan experienced a remarkable period of economic, cultural, and artistic rebirth under Austrian and French rule.

This private walking tour takes you through the heart of Neoclassical Milan, showcasing the city’s transformation during the enlightened reigns of Maria Theresa of Austria and her son Joseph II, as well as the Napoleonic era.

Explore Milan’s Neoclassical Gems

During this era, Milan flourished with the construction of palaces, mansions, churches, and monuments designed in the refined and symmetrical style of Neoclassicism. This tour highlights the city’s most significant Neoclassical masterpieces, from the stately Teatro alla Scala and Palazzo Reale to the grand Villa Reale and its gardens.

Discover the Artistic and Cultural Renaissance

During the enlightened reigns of Maria Theresa and Joseph II, Milan underwent significant artistic and cultural transformation, reflected in the sober and ordered shapes of Neoclassical architecture. The Napoleonic era further enriched the city with glitzier, majestic, and self-celebrating works, including ambitious urban renewal projects like the Foro Bonaparte.

ITINERARY A 

• Porta Venezia and Its Tollhouses: Admire this noble and fierce entrance to the city.
• Villa Reale and Corso Venezia Gardens: Experience Milanese Neoclassicism through the harmonious blend of architecture, decoration, and nature.
• Palazzo Rocca-Saporiti: Discover the aristocratic classicism of this celebrated palace.
• Palazzo Serbelloni: Appreciate the sober elegance of Neoclassical design.

ITINERARY B 

• Palazzo Reale: Enjoy the calm symmetry of the exterior and the lavish magnificence inside.
• Teatro alla Scala: Visit the world-renowned opera house, a sacred site for opera lovers.
• Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso: Witness the solemn magnificence of this church in the heart of Milan’s shopping district.

ITINERARY C 

• Foro Bonaparte: Learn about the ambitious project for a grand Classical Milan.
• Parco Sempione: Stroll through this green urban oasis, rich in art and history.
• Arena Civica: See the sports facility designed like a Roman Amphitheatre.
• Arco della Pace: Marvel at the triumphant entrance to the city.

Please note: All monuments and sites mentioned in the itinerary will be viewed from the outside. Entrance to the interiors is not included in this tour.