• Lifestyle

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...

Milan is going up… It has grown taller, vertically, over the years, to acquire new perspectives, to see further, opening a window on the future.

So here are the "top" buildings of the city - the view from here is spectacular, believe us!

Torre Branca began it all, almost a work of art made of steel, 108.60 metres high, situated in the heart of the Sempione Park. It was designed in 1933 by architect Gio Ponti, for the fifth Triennial exhibition, then restored and returned to the citizens of Milan by the Fratelli Branca distillery, hence its name. One of the panoramic viewpoints that is always open to the public, it is well worth a visit to admire the sight of Milan seen from above, at least once in a lifetime!

2. THE VELASCA TOWER

Think of Milan and you think of, in descending order, the Cathedral, the Sforza Castle and the Torre Velasca. Adored and criticised by enthusiasts and detractors, the building has become part of popular imaginary and, apart from anything, is of historical and cultural importance. On the one hand, for its unquestionable architectural value, interpretation of Brutalism and Neo-Liberty style and for the team of architects who designed it between 1956 and 1958 – the B.B.P.R., that is, Banfi, Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Peressutti and Rogers. On the other hand, for having become over the years a symbol of the economic growth and development of Milan.

Affectionately known as "Il Pirellone", this rationalist building, 127 metres high, is considered one of the finest works of architecture in post-War Milan. Built of glass, steel and concrete between 1956 and 1961, to a design by Gio Ponti, for years it was the headquarters of the Region of Lombardy. Not to be missed, a look at the view from its thirty-first floor, known as the Belvedere, only open on certain days of the year or for special events.

Who supplanted the Pirellone as a government building? Palazzo Lombardia, a modern complex of buildings with a sinusoidal shape covering an area of about 33,700 square metres. As well as the offices of the Region, it houses a nursery, a gym, cafés, restaurants, shops and multifunctional spaces, such as the Giovanni Testori auditorium, that host cultural events. The highest tower reaches 161.30 metres and its pride and joy is the panoramic thirty-ninth floor -looking out from the large windows, all Milan is at your feet! Unfortunately it is only open to the public on special occasions. If you do not want to miss these, you can subscribe to the Region's newsletter, which will keep you updated on all events and new openings.

And for the title of the highest building in Milan, the winner is… the three Unicredit Towers, with their sculptural spire that reaches a height of 231 metres, a spectacular building complex of reflective glass. Their sinuous, dynamic form encloses a new piazza, named after Gae Aulenti, which has become a new public and meeting space, used by citizens and visitors alike.

Take me here: Milan from the Top

On the same topic

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

Cremona’s Guest Book

The emotions of those who decide to visit Cremona
  • Lifestyle
Cremona’s Guest Book

48 hours in Milan

Take a map and the timetable of public transports..and we'll let you know the city!
  • Lifestyle
Idee weekend: 48 ore a Milano - Lombardia

Travelling on historic trains

Vintage trains offer unprecedented views of Lombardy's landscapes, for a priceless experience that combines history and beauty.
  • Lifestyle
In viaggio sui treni storici

Bergamo: włoskie arcydzieło

To miasto, które ma podwójną wartość a jego terytorium jest bogate w przyrodę, sztukę i kulturę
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo: włoskie arcydzieło

10 places to instagram in Lombardy

Lombardy has so many locations with perfect scenarios to immortalise and share on Instagram. How many do you know?
  • Lifestyle
10 places to instagram in Lombardy

Trams in milan

Take a seat on its wooden benches and enjoy a journey through the old days in Milanese history and tradition
  • Lifestyle
Trams in Milan

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in August 2025

Ski area Valmalenco

50 km of slopes make up the ski area of Alpe Palù, which is the calling card of Valmalenco.
  • Lifestyle
Ski area Valmalenco

Franciacorta outlet village

Sparkling shopping: taste the most important fashion brands and Brescia's wine excellence
  • Lifestyle
Franciacorta Outlet Village

Theatre and music: online events

Spettacoli da seguire dal divano di casa
  • Lifestyle
Teatro sociale di Como - @aslico.org

6 Things to do with children in Monza and Brianza

  • Lifestyle
Centrale elettrica Bertini

10 reasons to visit Brescia

Two cathedrals. The monumental area of the Roman Forum. The lakes of the Iseo and Garda. 10 good reasons to visit Brescia
  • Lifestyle
10 reasons to visit Brescia

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.
  • Lifestyle
Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Brescia more than just shopping

The streets of the big names. The antiques market. The square for the aperitif. Choose how to spend your free time in Brescia
  • Lifestyle
Brescia more than just shopping

Como in a weekend

A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and design with light. Discover Como in 48 hours. Without ever losing sight of the lake
  • Lifestyle
Como in a weekend

Spring in Milan

When the fog leaves ... the city lives. Initiatives, events, outdoor activities.
  • Lifestyle
Walking along the Navigli

Made in Brianza

Furnishings, design, textiles, gastronomy. Brianza is - and always has been - synonymous with “know-how”.
  • Lifestyle
Molteni Museum

ilPassaporto

Hunting for stamps to discover the most beautiful destinations in Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
Request #ilPassaporto #inLombardia

Travelling with books

Projects for bookworms
  • Lifestyle
Viaggiare con i libri