Piazza della Scala (Scala Square), Milan
Located in the heart of the city, Piazza della Scala is one of Milan's most iconic and historic squares, dominated by the grand neoclassical facade of the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most famous opera houses. The square is also home to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade that houses luxury boutiques and restaurants.
The piazza is named after the Teatro alla Scala, which was inaugurated in 1778 and has since become synonymous with the city's cultural life. Many famous operas and ballets have premiered here, and the theatre continues to attract some of the world's top performers.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was built in the late 1800s, is one of Milan's most beautiful buildings, characterized by a stunning glass and iron roof, which spans the arcade's central space. The arcade is lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Other notable buildings on Piazza della Scala include the Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana, a grand 19th-century bank building, and the splendid Palazzo Marino, located in front of Teatro alla Scala. The latter was constructed in 1558 for Tommaso Marino, a wealthy Genoese financier and presently serves as the Town Hall, with its facade having been renovated in the late 19th century.
In the centre of the square, the bearded figure on the pedestal is Leonardo da Vinci, surrounded by four of his pupils.
Why You Should Visit:
With its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, Piazza della Scala is a true symbol of the city's enduring allure.
The piazza is named after the Teatro alla Scala, which was inaugurated in 1778 and has since become synonymous with the city's cultural life. Many famous operas and ballets have premiered here, and the theatre continues to attract some of the world's top performers.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was built in the late 1800s, is one of Milan's most beautiful buildings, characterized by a stunning glass and iron roof, which spans the arcade's central space. The arcade is lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Other notable buildings on Piazza della Scala include the Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana, a grand 19th-century bank building, and the splendid Palazzo Marino, located in front of Teatro alla Scala. The latter was constructed in 1558 for Tommaso Marino, a wealthy Genoese financier and presently serves as the Town Hall, with its facade having been renovated in the late 19th century.
In the centre of the square, the bearded figure on the pedestal is Leonardo da Vinci, surrounded by four of his pupils.
Why You Should Visit:
With its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, Piazza della Scala is a true symbol of the city's enduring allure.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Piazza della Scala (Scala Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piazza della Scala (Scala Square)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milan, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Milan
Creating your own self-guided walk in Milan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Best Shopping Streets and Malls
One of the world's four fashion capitals and, as of lately, that of industrial design as well, Milan is renowned internationally as a top shopping destination, where fashion is the second religion. In a city as rich as this one, dedicated to art and pleasure, there's no shortage of options for those accustomed to upscale shopping and favoring bargains.
Amid the plethora of places to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Amid the plethora of places to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Milan may well be a world fashion capital and one of the financial capitals of Europe, but religion, and particularly churches, are an inseparable part of the Milanese life. Indeed, steeped in history, this city has garnered over the centuries a wealth of iconic places of worship.
Among these, the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) stands as a symbol of grandeur and faith. This magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these, the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) stands as a symbol of grandeur and faith. This magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Leonardo da Vinci's Masterpieces
Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest Renaissance artists and polymaths in history, left an indelible mark on Milan through several of his masterpieces created in this city over the nearly 20 years that he spent here.
One of the notable places where you can explore the maestro's work is the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), which houses a vast collection of his drawings and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the notable places where you can explore the maestro's work is the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), which houses a vast collection of his drawings and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Milan Introduction Walking Tour
Recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals, Milan is also a global hub of design and a key tourist destination. The etymology of the name Milan remains uncertain. One theory holds that the Latin name Mediolanum comes from the Latin words medio (in the middle) and planus (plain).
In 286 the Roman Emperor Diocletian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
In 286 the Roman Emperor Diocletian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Contained within the area once delimited by the medieval walls, the Centro Storico (historic center) of Milan encompasses the city's perhaps most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. Compact in size, the area is easily distinguishable on the map much as walkable. Here you can find almost everything Milan is famous for, in a close proximity to each other.
The best place to start is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The best place to start is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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