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"Architecture is a Crystal": Milan and its new skyline
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Tour Highlights
Full Description
This private guided tour will lead you from the Central Station, addressed by its designer as the "cathedral of movement", to the business centre of Porta Nuova, including the tallest building in Italy. Giò Ponti, a revered master of Italian design, once wrote that "Architecture is a crystal"; well, in a few hours you will discover all its shining faces. Finally, a typical lunch at a particular restaurant, to enjoy the well-known risotto "alla milanese" with saffron.
Tour Photos
What's Included
Included
- Qualified private guide
- Lunch
Not Included
- Breakfast
- Gratuities
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Itinerary
It features a massive entrance pavilion, characterized by a blend of Liberty, neoclassicism and eclecticism; through this, the passengers can access to the platforms, covered by an impressive iron and glass structure, 341 metres long, reaching a height of 33 metres in its central span.
This amazingly elegant skyscraper was designed by the Italian architect Giò Ponti and built between 1956 and 1961. With a rooftop height of 127 metres, it held the record for the tallest European building until 1966, while it was unsurpassed in Milan until the construction of nearby Palazzo Lombardia. The extremely tight proportion between transversal width and height involved a sophisticated calculation of structures, managed by the genius engineer Pier Luigi Nervi. With its distinguishing silhouette, the tower is still one of the symbols of Milan.
Built between 2007 and 2010, this articulated complex includes a 161 metres tall skyscraper and, at the ground floor, the largest covers square in the world. This square features a kindergarten, an auditorium, a post office, several restaurants and coffee bars. Besides, it often hosts happenings and events
Its elevations, on all sides, feature more than 2.000 arboreal varieties, instead of the widely used curtain walls that characterize such buildings.
Between 2014 and 2015, the Vertical Forest has been awarded as "Best Skyscraper in the world" and "Best architecture worldwide 2015", also entering the top 50 ranking of the most iconic tall buildings of all times.
This circular, 100 metres-wide elevated square is the heart of the massive redesign of the whole area of "Porta Nuova". It lays at the feet of Unicredit Tower, built between 2009 and 2012, being the tallest skyscraper in Italy with its overall height of 218 metres (including the spire).
📍 Meeting Point
Starting Point
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour has a specific cancellation policy. We recommend checking the terms at the time of booking to understand the refund conditions.
You will receive your confirmation via email immediately after booking. Viator sends your voucher as soon as payment is completed.
The expected duration is approximately 3 hours. We recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes before the departure time.
The tour price includes:
- Qualified private guide
- Full lunch, based on a respectfully revisited Milanese cuisine
The starting point is: At the edge of the railway station square, in front of Pirelli Tower. We recommend using Google Maps to easily reach the meeting location.
We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera. Check the tour's additional information for any specific requirements.