When you get to Milan, Italy, you’ll for sure want to check out all of its major tourist attractions like the Duomo di Milano cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic work “The Last Supper” displayed in Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the shopping gallery Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. However, once you’ve crossed that off your list, we recommend taking the road less traveled and checking out some of the city’s hidden gems. Here are the best of them.
San Bernardino alle Ossa
San Bernardino alle Ossa church is not for the faint of heart. The place is known for its small ossuary chapel that is almost entirely decorated with human bones and skulls. According to researchers, the bones and skulls probably came from deceased patients from the nearby hospital and people who died in prisons. The ossuary also contains a fresco by Baroque painter Sebastiano Ricci on the ceiling.
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
There is no shortage of captivating museums in Milan. But the one you definitely shouldn’t miss is Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Originating as count Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli’s private collection, the museum displays all sorts of intriguing items including sculptures, furniture, jewelry, and glasswork. However, it is best known for its extensive collection of paintings by notable Italian and Flemish artists.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard
The link between Leonardo da Vinci and Milan goes beyond “The Last Supper.” In close proximity to Santa Maria delle Grazie is also Da Vinci’s Vineyard, gifted to the artist by Ludovico “Il Moro” Duke of Milan. Da Vinci took care of the vineyard while in Milan before leaving it to servants and pupils as part of his testament. The vineyard was reconstructed and turned into a museum in 2015.