Brera in Milan is a very special neighbourhood, loved by both residents and tourists. With its artistic vibe, cosy shops, restaurants and cafés, Brera has always retained a somewhat bohemian atmosphere, also thanks to its picturesque narrow streets and beautiful squares. In no particular order, let’s discover some of the most interesting spots.
Via Brera is the beating heart of the district, and is the reason why this area has always attracted international artists and art lovers from all over the world. In fact, at numbers 26-28 you’ll find the famous Palazzo di Brera, which houses the Pinacoteca di Brera (with masterpieces by Raffaello, Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca, amongst others), the Academy of Fine Arts ‒ established by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1776 ‒ and also the Braidense National Library.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Via Brera 28, Milan
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. (last admission at 6:00 p.m.)
Booking is required. Please visit:
https://pinacotecadibrera.eventim-inhouse.de/webshop/webticket/timeslot
For booking assistance:
Tel. +39 02 72105 141 (Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
E-mail: pinacotecadibrera@operalaboratori.com
Palazzo di Brera also houses the splendid Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens), an oasis of peace in the city centre, as well as a place for the protection of biodiversity and rare species.
Orto Botanico
Via Brera 28, Milan
Open:
Monday – Saturday (festivities excluded) 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m (April – October)
Monday – Saturday (festivities excluded) 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (November – March)
Palazzo di Brera itself is marvellous, and strolling through its long galleries is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Milan.
Piazza San Marco is a lovely small square with the church of the same name which dates back to the 13th century. In this square, on Monday and Thursday mornings (from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) the local street market takes place. You’ll find flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish and other foods, but also a nice selection of shoes and knitwear. Not the cheapest compared to other street markets in town, but definitely one of the nicest.
Via Fiori Chiari and Via Madonnina are the typical streets you’ll find in Brera: both really beautiful and very narrow. Here, every third Sunday of the month, an antique market is held: the perfect place to discover unusual and unique items for yourself and your home (silverware, ceramic ware, jewels, accessories and much more).
Piazza del Carmine ‒ named after the church of the same name that dominates the square ‒ is a pedestrian area where you can stop for a coffee or a drink while admiring the slightly unsettling but very interesting sculpture by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj (known as “Chest in half”), in the middle of the square, as well as the gorgeous church itself.
This post was all about Brera in Milan, possibly the most picturesque district of the city.