bikemanager, Author at Bikethecity®

Unique things to do in Milan

Milan, the city of fashion, of the Duomo, and of the Scala. It’s also, the city of the unusual. You’ve seen pictures of the Sforza Castle, but have you seen pictures of the church of bones? There are many unique things to do in Milan beside the classic landmarks: do you know them?

Unique things to do in Milan

De Chirico’s mystery
The secret of San Satiro church
A horned Virgin
The ear intercom
The Statue of Liberty
The Walk of Fame
Admire Milan’s OTHER dome
The neighborhood of cheese makers
Our bike tour, pedaling through the highlights of the city
Dialogue in the dark
The Dramatram
The 1930 Speakeasy
Relax at the SPA, inside a tram

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Unique-things-to-do-in-Milan-bike-and-the-city-tour-bicicletta-milano-roma-verona-15 — Horned Virgin – Photo by Andrea Cherchi

Unusual things to do in Milan: for the arts lovers

The shirtless swimmers of the Fountain of Bagni Misteriosi aren’t everyone’s type. The Italian artist Giorgio De Chirico recreated a swimming pool setting at the Triennale. There is even a floating and colorful swan, the ancestor of Instagram’s floating flamingo.
The famous Pietà (Piety) of Michelangelo is at the Vatican Museums. A lesser known version is at the Sforza Castle. Officially known as the “Pietà Rondanini”, this unfinished sculpture is one of the last masterpieces of the artist.
Even the masters have to make drafts. At the Ambrosiana, you can admire Raffaello’s drawing of the “The School of Athens,” created between 1509 and 1511. Raffaello died nine years later and rumor has it, the Pope kissed his hand before the burial in Rome’s Pantheon.
Milan was the city of artists. Donato Bramante was the architect of the San Satiro church and he put an optic illusion. Is the apse truly there?
One church with an illusion, another that is all too real. At San Bernardino delle Ossa, the walls are covered in bones and skulls because the priests ran out of space.
The Horned Virgin with scary hornes a unique character in the fresco at the Sant’Eustorgio Cathedral. A ghost might reveal the reasons. Her name is Guglielmina la Boema and, after her death, she was labeled heretic. Obviously, she didn’t take it too well.

These are some of the most unusual things to do in Milan. Let’s jump to the quirky ones.

Unique-things-to-do-in-Milan-bike-and-the-city-tour-bicicletta-milano-roma-verona-13 — Ear intercom

Quirky things to do in Milan: the weirdness even kids will enjoy

The first Italian intercom was created in Milan in 1930 and it’s shaped like an ear. It’s a bronze sculpture located in the “Ca ‘de l’Oreggia” (House of the Ear). At least it’s coherent.
Milan is quirky, like the naked statues of the “cà di ciapp” in Palazzo Castiglioni. It’s a sexy couple on a balcony. *wink wink*
The Statue of Liberty in New York City has a twin and it lives in the facade of the Dome. While there is a whole debate on the inspiration, the Italian twin is 70 years younger than the American sibling.
Forget the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In Milan, celebrities have left their mark in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. You will find the prints of Patrick Swayzer, Sylvester Stallone, and Sharon Stone.
The Omenoni statues, or big men, are worth a picture. If you are looking for the specific civic number, beware. The palace still retains the old, sculpted Augsburg numeration in the thousands.
Whoever told that there is only one Dome in Milan was lying. In Via Pitteri you will find the replica of the Cathedral’s interior. And it’s a gorgeous 23 meter-high murales.
If you are looking for an Instagrammable spot, you can’t miss the colorful houses of Via Lincoln, the Italian Notting Hill.
You’ve never experienced anything like “Dialogue in the dark.” For one hour, you will be guided through different rooms that will experience only with touch, smell, hearing, and taste. The Italian Association of Blind People organizes this activity to bring awareness.

Unique-things-to-do-in-Milan-bike-and-the-city-tour-bicicletta-milano-roma-verona-12 — Statue of Liberty – Photo by Andrea Cherchi

Unusual things to do in Milan: travel back in time

In 1848, the Augsburg Empire ruled the city. In march, a five-day rebellion ensued. Centuries later, you can still see the signs of the cannonballs in Via della Spiga.
When World War II broke, no city was safe. You can visit the underground anti-aircraft shelters and the Tower of Mermaids, an above-ground refuge. Here, the Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini hid before fleeing.
Morning baths became a trend in the 1910s, long before SPAs were glamorous. In a hidden Milan, you will find the underground Albergo Diurno with Art Deco style.
The “Burg dè furmagiatt” translates to the neighborhood of the cheesemakers. The name dates back to the era of trade on the river when cheese was one of the top imports. Does the Navigli still smell of gorgonzola?

Unique-things-to-do-in-Milan-bike-and-the-city-tour-bicicletta-milano-roma-verona-14 — Omenoni

Alternative activities: time to have fun

Our Bike Tour Highlights of Milan, to explore from the saddle. We will ride through the city’s eras.
If you are a dramamama, you will love the DramaTram. It’s a theater inside a city tour, onboard a 1920s tram. Note that the show is every last Wednesday of the month.
Have you ever wished to travel back in time? At the 1930 bar, you are in a Speakeasy during the era of Prohibition. The 1930 has the same jazz vibes, low lights, and shelves of bottles.
The Navigli of the city speak to the past of Milan. You can hop on a ferry in the “Itinerario delle Conche” to discover the city by water.
Take a look behind the scenes of the Teatro La Scala. Thanks to the alternative experience “Laboratori Scala Ansaldo,” you will see the theater’s labs. It’s a whole world behind the heavy, red curtains.
If you need a break after a day of exploring, you can head to the QC Terme, a SPA inside a tram. You will be surrounded by the Spanish walls of the 1500s and by the Liberty style of the complex. The SPA takes inspiration from the ancient Roman baths.

Like a true metropolis, Milan hides secrets and it’s your time to reveal them: enjoy to find all the unique things to do in Milan.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Milan’s Porta Nuova District

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Literally meaning new gate, the Porta Nuova district of Milan is the main business area in the city. This part of Milan was still farmland in the 19th century, only becoming truly popular after an urban regeneration project launched in 2004 to put a new face on the districts of Garibaldi, Isola, and Varesine.

It is a main hub for transport lines in Milan, having been the location of the first train stations in the city. The district now covers an area from the Porta Garibaldi train station to the Piazza della Repubblica and from Porta Nuova to the Palazzo Lombardia.

After 16 years of construction in an area rife with urban decay, the new Porta Nuova district is now a high-tech, affluent zone, converting Milan into the city with the highest GDP in Europe. This industrialization initiative resuscitated a declining part of the city by bringing in various international companies such as Alfa Romeo, Pirelli, and Techint, as well as other significant fashion manufacturers.

Some of Milan’s more modern tourist attractions can be found in this area as well as places loved by the Milanese locals too. These include the country’s tallest skyscraper: the Unicredit Tower and the city’s green lung: the Biblioteca degli Alberi public park.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Piazza Gae Aulenti

On December 8, 2012, Milan stood still for a moment during the inauguration of the futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti. Designed by the architect Cesar Pelli, this square has since been named one of the most beautiful in the world by the Landscape Institute. In the heart of the business district, connecting the newest additions to the historic center, the piazza aims to serve as a symbol of Milan as a city of innovation and modernity.

One of the liveliest places in Milan, the piazza offers visitors and locals an array of restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, and the city’s most prestigious events. The square comes to life after dark with a light spectacle on the fountain accompanied by music.

The ‘Egg’ installation is a permanent artwork by Alberto Garutti at the base of the Unicredit Tower. It consists of 23 brass tubes vertically aligned, extending four floors up, to allow passers-by to consider the voices and sounds of the city.

The square was created with an elevated circular structure, from which visitors can view many of the elements of the city skyline including the Garibaldi towers and get a sense of this fresh, pioneering metropolis.

Bosco Verticale

One of the more curious sights in the Porta Nuova district is the Bosco Verticale or vertical forest. Admired greatly by tourists, these two towers were completed in 2014 as VIP residences with a difference. Covered with a total of 800 trees, 5000 bushes, and 15,000 smaller plants, the Bosco Verticale towers, of 80 and 112 meters, are examples of what designer Stefano Boeri refers to as Urban Forestry. The towers represent another innovative idea in the modern district working toward sustainable constructions for city centers.

The Bosco Verticale has won awards since its inauguration including the International Highrise Award in 2014 and two in 2015: the Best European Architecture Award and The Best Tall Building Worldwide from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats of Chicago. In 2019 the CTBUHC listed the Bosco Verticale in the top 50 most iconic skyscrapers in the world.

An extravagant natural oasis in the middle of a grey jungle, the Bosco Verticale is tended to by flying arboriculturists. These acrobatic gardeners keep the plants and trees in order and take care of the wildlife that has made the two towers their home.

Palazzo Lombardia

At 161 meters tall, the Palazzo Lombardia is another of the high-rise icons of the city in the Porta Nuova district. Visitors can take a trip up to the 39th floor and gaze out on incredible views of Milan and the surrounding areas.

At the foot of this towering construction, visitors can find the Piazza Città di Lombardia, the largest covered square in Europe, where popular festivals and events takes place each year.

As one of the most recent buildings added to the area, it won awards for design, sustainability and innovation, being named the Best Skyscraper in Europe in 2012 from the prestigious Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in Chicago.

With so many reputable architectural and artistic marvels in the city, it is no surprise that Milan is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

The Bridges of Verona

Verona, a city known for its romantic fictional history as the home of Romeo and Juliet and a place to experience beautiful works of opera in the Roman arena. But that is certainly not all there is to this charming city. Some of the most important historical monuments in Verona include the bridges crossing the Adige River.

A waterway that flows from its source in the Reschen Pass in the Alps all the way down to the Adriatic Sea, the Adige River curves through Verona sweeping by various bridges. Visitors to Verona shouldn’t leave without learning a little about these fine, ancient architectural structures.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra is a stone bridge that dates back to Roman times, around 100 BC. Originally, the Via Postumia, stretching from Genoa to Aquileia, ran across it. The bridge connected the city on the right bank to the Roman theatre on the left.

A bridge built of arches on the narrowest part of the river, it served as an aqueduct during Roman times. The Ponte Pietra is widely regarded as one of the most panoramic spots in Verona, from which any of the city’s main attractions can be spotted. Standing atop the bridge, visitors can see Castel San Pietro peeking out from behind a wall of trees and across to the old city where the tower of Verona Cathedral stands tall along the skyline. At dusk, standing on the bridge with the city as a backdrop is a truly romantic photo opportunity.

Throughout its history, this Roman bridge was rebuilt several times after collapsing over and over in the 11th, 12th and 13th century. In the 1500s, the bridge was finally constructed to last and did so until nearly the end of the second world war, when a German mine took out four of the five arches as troops retreated.

In 1957, the original stones and materials were collected from the river individually so that the bridge could be faithfully reconstructed. The project was completed in 1959. The Roman bridge we see today astride the Adige is really a medley of architectural styles and components from different periods of history.

Ponte Scaligero

More widely known as the Ponte Castelvecchio, the Scaliger Bridge is another of the significant historical sites dotted around Verona. It is also an arched bridge spanning the Adige, but this time it is a fortified construction from the medieval era. At the moment of its construction, it held the record for the longest span of nearly 50 meters. It is believed that the building work took only 3 years between 1354 – 1356. This is why it is frequently referred to as the most daring and admirable work of medieval Verona. Along the sides of the bridge are tall pillars with small rectangular openings below that are more suggestive of a stronghold than a path across the water.

Contrary to the norm, the Ponte Scaligero wasn’t constructed to protect the people of the city from outside invaders. Instead, Cangrande II della Scala, Lord of Verona from 1351, ordered the bridge be erected as an escape route for himself and his family in case the citizens turned against him. He planned to flee toward Tyrol, where his son-in-law reigned at the time.

The architect of the Ponte Scaligero is officially unknown. Although there is some documentation mentioning Bevilacqua, the designer of Castelvecchio, there are also other theories supporting the idea that it was created by Giovanni da Ferrara e Giacomo da Gozo, due to the similarities to ship constructions.

Never collapsing, this bridge held the weight of five centuries until in 1802 the French army tore down one of the towers and finally, again the second world war saw to its destruction. The bridge standing today as an icon of Verona was accurately rebuilt from 1949 to 1951.

Two drastically diverse elements of the Veronese past, both destroyed and re-established as a symbol of those who have passed through this captivating city throughout history.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

Roman Milan

Milan is a city that oozes history. Around every corner something can be discovered with thousands of years of stories to tell. Some of the city’s most famous attractions include Il Duomo and La Scala Theatre, but none go back quite as far as the Roman elements.

Founded by Gauls in 590 BC Milan was then known as Medhelan. Some time later, the Romans came to know this ancient city as Mediolanum in Latin. Milan was then as it is today, a vibrant metropolis of political, religious and social life.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Timeline of Mediolanum

It began as simply a Roman occupied area inhabited by Insubres, a fused population made up of Celts, Ligures, and Gauls. But shortly after it became one of the most important cities in the empire. It was conquered in 222 BC and incorporated as part of the region of Gallia Cisalpina.

Under the reign of Julius Cesar, from 100 BC – 44 BC, the city was made a municipal, which gave them a certain amount of autonomy under Roman ruling. Citizens were obliged to pay taxes and perform military service but were not given Roman citizenship and thus did not have the right to vote.

The status of Milan changed drastically when it became home to Maximian. As a friend to the superior Roman emperor Diocletian, who in 286 AD decided to split the empire into East and West, Maximian named Mediolanum capital of the West Roman Empire, which it remained until 402 AD.

In 306 AD, both Maximian and Diocletian renounced their respective positions of power. Mediolanum, modern-day Milan, then fell victim to a series of wars of succession to the throne.

Finally, in the 5th century AD, as the Roman empire was falling, Mediolanum was besieged first by the Visigoths and later the Huns.

Roman Sites Still Standing in the City of Milan

In 390 AD, Decimo Magno Ausonio, the poet, wrote famously of the Roman city of Mediolanum that it was grand and noble and there were many sites to be seen. Several of these can still be visited today, nearly two millennia later. Exploring Milan gives tourists an opportunity to experience a true adventure through time.

San Lorenzo Basilica

The stunning Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the oldest churches, dating between the 4th and the 5th century AD. It is a Catholic church built with materials from other Roman constructions in the area and frequented by Emperors, most likely due to its proximity to the Imperial Palace and amphitheatre.

Over the centuries, the church suffered numerous disasters including fires and earthquakes that destroyed various of the origin elements. Some parts were rebuilt throughout the medieval era.

In front of the church, there are the remains of an earlier Roman construction from the 2nd/3rd century. Known as the Colonne di San Lorenzo, there are 16 Corinthian columns standing within what is now a park. It is believed that they were moved here when the Basilica di San Lorenzo was built from a previous pagan temple or public baths.

Via Brisa and the Palazzo Imperiale

Close to the bustling street of Corso Magenta, the quieter zone of Via Brisa hides a significant part of Milan’s past beneath what was until recently a decaying area used mainly for parking. Due to the World War 2 bombings in Milan, an area of Imperial Palace ruins was discovered under the street. In the post-war period, archaeologists began studying the structures that had survived. The excavation took place from 1951 to 1962.

Next to a refurbished medieval tower, there is now an area where visitors can take a look at the remains of the foundations of part of this once enormous aristocratic residence.

Built for Maximian during the city’s reign as capital of the West Roman Empire, the house included administrative, military, and political offices, private baths and lodgings, as well as a direct access to the Circo Romano. It took up a large portion of the city of Mediolanum.

Sant’Ambrogio Basilica

Another of the remarkable Roman churches still standing in modern Milan is the Sant’Ambrogio Basilica. Build by St. Ambrose, the archbishop of Milan, it is known as a church of martyrs due to the high number of persecuted Catholic converts who were buried here.

St. Ambrose was one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century AD who constructed several churches in the area to give a Christian mark to the city. It was transformed into a nucleus for religious life and ended up hosting two separate religious communities, Christian monks and Canons Regular.

This basilica was later restored in the 12th century in Romanesque style.

Other sites from Roman Mediolanum include the Roman walls, forum, amphitheatre and the remains of the Terme Erculee, public baths named after Maximian. Taking a Roman tour through Milan, it is clear to see that the city was a thriving hub of commerce, celebration and entertainment, similar to the Milan of today.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Turin: The Road to Egypt

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Among so many treasures, there are certain artefacts in the Egyptian Museum of Turin that cannot be missed. Recently restructured in 2015, this museum has a long history of being one of the world’s foremost key players in the study of Ancient Egypt. The first museum of its kind to open in the world, it is now only second in importance and size to the museum in El Cairo.

Specialising in Egyptian archaeology and anthropology, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. With over 30,000 pieces including scrolls, sarcofagi, mummies, and countless objects of everyday use, the Turin Egyptian Museum has allowed scholars and archaeologists to study the arts and beliefs of this ancient civilization to help improve our understanding.

Beginning from 4000 BC, the museum tells the story of this grand culture right up to 700 AD with a timeline starting from before the reign of Pharaohs and exploring the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. Visiting the Museo Egizio in Turin is tantamount to taking a trip through the ages.

More info on our bike tour in Turin.

Origins of the Turin Egyptian Collection

In 1630, what was thought to be the first Egyptian antiquity to arrive in Turin was the Bembine Tablet or Mensa Isiaca, a bronze tablet that is now understood to be Roman in origin. Despite these misconceptions, King Charles Emmanuel III, the Duke of Savoy and King of Sardinia at the time, was inspired and so sent Vitaliano Donati, a renowned doctor, archaeologist and botanist to travel to Egypt in 1753. He returned with 300 pieces of Egyptian history from different areas of the country.

Over the years the collection grew and when King Charles Felix of Savoy acquired the first collection with over 5,000 pieces, he invited François Champollion to study it. Champollion, who had deciphered hieroglyphics after the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, went to Turin in 1824.

More and more significant findings were added to the collection throughout the following centuries. In 1833, over 1,000 pieces were donated by Giuseppe Sossio and when Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli became the museum director in 1894, he began a series of excavations in Egypt that would contribute the majority of today’s collection. Schiaparelli focused his digs in Gebelein, south of Luxor, and Deir el Medina, on the west bank of Luxor. At the time of most of these excavations, in the early 20th century, a law stating that whatever was found should be equally divided between Egypt and the benefactor country meant that he acquired thousands of objects of immense historical importance.

The most recent addition to the collection was given as a gift to Italy from Egypt to thank them for their help during the Rescue of Nubian Monument campaign in the 1960s. The Turin Museum received the Temple of Ellesyia. These rescue operations led to the famous Abu Simbel’s temple assembly and dismantling.

Highlights of the Museum

Along with this latest acquisition, there are some awe-inspiring features that should not be missed on a trip to the Museo Egizio in Turin. Although no visitor could be blamed for getting lost in the centuries here, the museum’s recent restructuring has designed it so that one can go from the very beginning to the end without missing any of the truly fascinating antiques.

One of the most famous aspects of the museum’s collection is the Turin King List or the Royal Canon, a papyrus dating to the reign of Ramesses II. It is considered to be a list of all the kings prior to his reign. Parts of the list are missing, but it is still an incredible discovery that catalogues a large section of Egyptian history.

Among the various tombs, one of the most noteworthy and well-preserved is that of Kha and Merit. Kha is believed to have been the director of works for Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III. The funerary mask of Merit is on display and in impeccable condition. Much was recovered from their tomb because it was untouched as the sarcofagi were within various cases.

Other tombs to be visited at the museum include the Tomb of the Unknown from the 5th dynasty, the many ceramic and wooden artefacts from the tomb of Ini, and the tomb of Iti and Neferu. The latter was decorated with well-preserved wall paintings that can now be seen along the museum walls.

From other artefacts that are available in this museum, such as fragments of different books of the dead, scrolls and papyrus, decorated cloths, and numerous statues, we have been able to learn a considerable amount about the culture and beliefs of this ancient civilization. Given the immense number of historical items gathered in the Turin Museum, it is no surprise that visitors constantly wander through the museum halls in wonder.

It is now as it was then when Jean-François Champollion said that the road to Memphis and Thebes passes through Turin.

More info on our bike tour in Turin.

Basilica of St. Zeno

The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is one of the most beautiful churches in traditional Romanesque style. It is easy to see why this church is so beloved by the citizens of Verona. Located in the west, those who venture to visit this stunning ecclesiastical marvel will be pleasantly surprised by a serene, peaceful vibe as they distance themselves from the bustling city center.

A pleasant stroll from Castelvecchio or along the banks of the Adige will bring you to the St. Zeno church where you can admire some of the best preserved Romanesque architecture in northern Italy. Home to some of the finest religious masterpieces in the area, the San Zeno Basilica is a monumental place to witness a convergence of magnificent art and various historic architectural styles.

Admiring the construction from outside, visitors can appreciate the warm colors of the facade materials. Inside, the church is divided into three areas: the main nave, the crypt below, and the elevated presbytery. Each area has its own artistic elements that have been developed throughout the centuries.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

Who Was Saint Zeno?

San Zeno Maggiore, or St. Zeno in English, is the patron saint of Verona. He was the 8th Bishop of Verona from 362 until his death in 380, known for founding Christianity in the city. He was respectfully nicknamed ‘il Vescovo Moro’, which translates as the Moor Bishop. This is due to his African origins as he was born in Mauritania.

Saint Zeno lived a simple life in austerity and was a well-educated man. He is considered the protector saint of fishermen because it is said that he used to fish in the river Adige.

The San Zeno Basilica holds his remains in the crypt under the main altar.

History of the Church

When Saint Zeno died in 380, his body was buried in an early Christian cemetery. Theodore the Great, an Ostrogoth king from the 5th century AD, would erect a church to honor him on this spot.

As Christianity grew and the church received more worshippers than it could accommodate for a new church was constructed in its place. This was commissioned in the early 9th century by King Pippin of the Franks, Bishop Ratoldo and the Archdeacon Pacificus. This larger building would hold a monastery which would later be destroyed and rebuilt several times during the next centuries. It was constructed as a religious and political message with images and frescos of the patron saint blessing both the nobles and the city folk.

After several setbacks, including an earthquake in 1117 and additional decorations and refurbishments, the current construction was newly complete in 1389. The belltower dates to 1178. Later attacked again by the invading Napoleonic army, certain areas of the abbey were destroyed and never replaced.

A Romanesque Masterpiece

A sensational blend of artwork and superior architectural expertise, each part of the church’s construction is unique and displays exceptional devotion.

When visiting the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, there are several areas to explore. You can even find one of the first images of the flag of Verona, which is very similar to the Swedish flag in design and color.

As you approach the front entrance, it is impossible not to be struck by the huge bronze doors, completely one-of-a-kind in Italy and more reminiscent of Germanic constructions. These Romanesque portals are decorated with 24 panels per door with bas-reliefs of images from the Bible and the story of San Zeno. Either side of the doors, there are two lion statues representing justice and faith.

Above the doors, another striking symbol of the church is the rose window. More commonly associated with the Gothic style, this work by Brioloto from the 13th century is referred to as the Wheel of Fortune.

Within the church, looking to the sky, another peculiar aspect of this Romanesque church is the reversed hull form of the ceiling. The ceiling, from the 14th century, is also much more typical in Gothic architecture.

The famous altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna, the Italian Renaissance artist, is a true masterpiece. This triptych stands upon the high altar of San Zeno as the first major Renaissance artwork in Verona. It served as inspiration to many other artists.

Last but certainly not least is ‘Il San Zen che ride’ as he is affectionately known by the Veronese people. A statue of St. Zeno and the oldest representation is made from red marble and stands in the presbytery. The statue, dating back to the 12th century, whose artist is unknown, is the most important icon of the San Zeno Basilica. The unusual fact that has yielded the citizens’ notable admiration is that Saint Zeno is pictured here smiling tenderly.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

Curious Symbols of Milan

Every city has a few peculiar traditions, places of mystery, and conflicted legends. Milan, with such a long and turbulent history, is no exception. Some of the most famous symbols for the city have developed from troubling backgrounds and are very much open to interpretation.

In spite of the ambiguity or troubling backgrounds, these elements now represent the Milanese people and have become synonymous with the city itself as well as other regional organisations. Similar to il Duomo, it is common for people from Milan to feel a sense of pride towards these emblems of the city, although they may spark a puzzling feeling in visitors who learn their histories.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Il Castello Sforzesco

The Sforza Castle, as it is known in English, was built originally by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, in the 15th century upon the remains of an earlier fortification. It was at the time one of the largest citadels in Europe. The three large courts were decorated by various artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.

The castle has a huge and supremely interesting historic significance for the city of Milan. It represented a symbol of foreign oppression due to the years of varying rulers that invaded the area. Throughout the centuries, the very same Milanese people have attacked, ransacked, and even tried to demolish it.

The Sforza Castle Timeline

When the castle was in the hands of the French, they used the Torre del Filarete (the Central Tower named after the architect) as a weapons storage facility. This unfortunately caused an explosion in 1521 provoking the first damages to the walls.

Later, Francesco II Sforza returned to be married in the castle in 1534 but is the last of the Sforza family to leave, thus giving way to its decline.

In 1706, Eugenio di Savoia conquered Milan and the castle fell into Austrian hands. It continues to deteriorate.

The castle was understocked in military equipment and the French were fast approaching. At this time, a group of pro-French Milanese citizens attacked the castle. Although unsuccessful in their attempt, the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria abandoned Milan and it was taken by the Napoleonic army. This once stately home was then employed to house around 4000 troops and many of the frescoed rooms were converted to stables.

Finally in 1893, after Italian unification, Luca Beltrami was commissioned by the city to restore the castle to its former glory under Sforza rule. The citizens actively participated in the reconstruction. The re-emergence of a renaissance, gothic-style Torre del Filarete, fragments of frescoes, terracotta windows, and a golden chapel helped to capture the heart of the Milanese, who had previously felt resentful of the castle’s role in the city’s persecution.

The castle and grounds became a cultural destination that breached the fractured hearts of the Milanese population. It now holds several museums and unique art collections that make it a beloved tourist attraction.

Unique Castle Characteristics

There are several components of the castle that are of particular interest. When visiting the Castello Sforzesco, tourists should look out for these intriguing elements.

The carving of a woman combing or shaving her pubic hair: Now placed in one of the rooms of the castle, previously it was a mould on the Tosa door, currently known as the Porta Vittoria. Tosa, in regional dialect meant ‘girl’. It is suggested that this girl could be a prostitute who is combing out lice, as was common in medieval times. Shaving, however, was used as a punishment. Therefore, others believe that this girl could represent either Beatrice di Borgogna, the wife of hated Federico Barbarossa, who set fire to the city in 1162. Or possibly, Leobissa, the Empress of Constantinople, who refused to help the city rebuild after the fire.
The room of treasure and the Headless fresco: Ludovico il Moro, Duke of Milan from 1494 to 1499 used this room for his treasure. A fortune that funded his ambitious conquests in northern Italy. Inside this room there is a fresco thought to have been created by Bramantino in the Renaissance period, there is a body without a head in one of the images. It is believed to be Argo, a mythological giant who never slept and therefore guards the treasure.
Underground tunnel: A narrow secret underground passageway leads from the castle to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The entrance can be seen but it is blocked by a landslide of rocks which has never been removed. It was possibly used as an escape route, or some say as a path for Ludovico Sforza to go to mourn his wife, who died prematurely, in her tomb at the sanctuary.

If not to enjoy the architecture and beauty of the restored castle, these curiosities certainly make for an interesting visit. The Sforza castle is a significant landmark that allows tourists and locals alike to learn about a conflicting heritage.

The Legend of the Biscione

The biscione di Milano is a key symbol of the city used to represent the Inter Milan team, Canale 5, il Comune, and even the Alfa Romeo automobile company. There are differences to each image but the base is the same and it has been employed for centuries after first being used by the Visconti family as a coat of arms.

The legend states that in 1100, during the second crusade, Ottone Visconti drove an army of Milanese soldiers to the siege of Jerusalem. He faced a fierce saracen called Voluce. Voluce carried the symbol of a snake eating a man when he fought. Having killed him, Ottone took the symbol and his adversary’s weapon back to Milan, where he decided to adopt the symbol for himself. Throughout the years, the man in the snake’s mouth was replaced first with a saracen, then a baby. The latter is supposed to indicate the good nature of the Visconti family.

There are variations of this story and even other legends to tell the tale of the Biscione, but it is clear that it is a powerful symbol for Milan and if you keep your eyes open, you can find it all over the city.

More info on our bike tour in Milan.

Church of the Gran Madre di Dio

bike tour verona grande madre di dio church

Turin is home to many religious edifices, the majority of which are part of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also a city of pilgrimage for many devout Catholics due to being the home of the Shroud of Turin, a cloth that bears the marks of a crucified man.

The Chiesa Gran Madre, or the Church of the Gran Madre di Dio, is an imposing church constructed to celebrate the return of King Victor Emmanuel I after the Napoleonic occupation. It is not actually owned by the Catholic church but by the city of Turin and is therefore a secular place of worship. It is located in front of the river Po, directly facing the Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Although it was commissioned in 1814, after the defeat of Napoleon, construction took much longer than initially expected and it was not inaugurated until 1831. The architect was Ferdinand Bonsignore, who designed the church in a neoclassic style based on the Pantheon in Rome. This monumental structure tends, therefore, to seem older than it actually is. Due to its style and the lack of Christian symbolism, people are inclined to view the Gran Madre Church as a temple more than a church. Either way, it is an impressive sight and represents a victory for the people of Turin.

More info on our bike tour in Turin.

Discover the Mysteries of the Chiesa Gran Madre

Many people believe that Turin is a magical place with different attractions displaying distinct signs of mysticism. There are various elements of the Chiesa Gran Madre which relate to religions that predate Catholicism and others which are considered esoteric.

Firstly, the location of the church is said to be the same site where primitive populations worshipped the goddess Isis, also called the Great Mother. Others claim that the location, close to the water, as an ancient symbol for bearing life, brings a mysterious energy to the church.

Upon approaching the church, visitors first see the grand staircase and two statues either side. These represent Faith and Religion and were sculptured by Carlo Chelli. Faith is holding a chalice and is pointing, whereas Religion holds a cross. This has been construed to mean that Faith could be pointing at the hiding place of the Holy Grail.

There is an inscription above the church that reads ‘Ordo Populusque Taurinus Ob Adventum Regis’, roughly translated as ‘The nobility and people of Turin for the Return of the King’. This statement has, however, been interpreted in different ways.

Whether you’re a believer or not, this suggestive construction can awaken suspicions and cause enigmatic impressions on even the most sceptical of people.

Borgo Po: Turin’s Bourgeois Neighbourhood

Beyond the church, visitors can find the most exclusive district in Turin: Borgo Po. Once a small village struck with poverty and filled with washerwomen and fishermen, it is now the most affluent part of the city with celebrity inhabitants. Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the newest neighbours after moving to Turin’s most popular football club, Juventus, and purchasing a deluxe home in this charming area.

Borgo Po was home to Italian cinema when it began at the start of the 20th century and has since been heavily associated with the stage and famous faces, even after cinema production was moved to Rome.

bike tour verona grande madre di dio church sober elegance — Photo by Valentina Locatelli on Unsplash

This luxury neighbourhood is home to ornate mansions and lavish villas, situated on the banks of the river Po. It is densely wooded, built upon the mountains, and yet close to the city centre, which makes it ideal as a comfortable, prosperous district.

Whether you choose to investigate the claims of a magic city or simply wish get to know a beautiful historic place, Turin has something to offer everyone.

More info on our bike tour in Turin.

Active guided bike tour in Ljubljana

A beautiful, green, picturesque and fun capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the cleanest cities and therefore a great place for an active trip. If you would like to take a guided tour of Ljubljana by bike, this is the right place to be.

With a combination of a healthy exercise and sightseeing of Ljubljana’s main attractions you will have a chance to see the highlights of the centre. However, with a little bit longer tour you can also see the secluded parts of the city, romantic riverbanks, hidden backstreets, peaceful parks, marches just outside of the city centre and much more. Ljubljana is an eco-oriented town that totally deserved the award for Green Capital of Europe back in 2016.

Ljubljana is a perfect city for a 4-hours guided bike sightseeing and adventurous tour because of its flat terrain and cycling culture. Taking a bike tour it’s a safe and fun way to explore all city highlights guided by a local English speaking guide, who will present you to the story behind the city within just a few hours.

It is most suitable and a marvellous experience also for the families who would like to have some fun during the visit to Ljubljana also because it is not a very physically demanding trip. During the tour, you will do enough stops for rest. Stops are also opportunities to take pictures while listening to interesting and rich stories your guide will tell you on the way.

Due to such short distances, Ljubljana offers an extended guided bike tour also outside the centre, in the deep nature. Just a couple of kilometres from the city centre you can find yourself in the middle of the natural reserve – Ljubljana Marshes.

River Ljubljanica, the one that flows through the city centre, has helped to create the marshes through history. Ljubljana Marches besides a rich history with archaeological heritage and famous birdwatching represent an unique patchwork of meadows, fields and streams, where the green surfaces meet with the blue sky.

We recommend you to put a pair of comfortable shoes and sports clothes on and join a must-do guided bike tour of Ljubljana city centre and the marshes with electric mountain bikes.

Castel San Pietro, Verona

best view of verona - bike tour verona from above

Castel San Pietro is the Italian name given to the military fortress standing on St. Peter’s Hill in Verona. The castle complex is an identifiable symbol of Verona, just a few dozens meters above the Roman Theatre that sits on the banks of the river Adige. The architectural wonder is easily visible from different parts of the city due to its location on the hill and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Verona may be famous for its ties to romance, thanks in great part to Shakespeare, but there is much more to be discovered in this fascinating Veneto city.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

A Timeline of St. Peter’s Hill

Although it is currently impossible to say with precision when humans first inhabited the area, remains have been found on St. Peter’s hill dating back to pre-Roman times. The hill therefore represents the birthplace of Verona as a civilization as buildings were developed as early as the 4th and 3rd century BC.

During the Roman era, the main settlements were constructed on the other side of the river, going down toward the Verona Arena, which was at the time outside of the city walls. Atop the hill, a temple was built. Roman temples were constructed to demonstrate dedication to various deities. Due to the strategic positioning and thus, the many structures that were erected in this spot throughout history, little is known today about this Roman temple.

It is, however, widely understood that as time progressed, a church was built using the remains of the Roman temple. Construction of the church used the surviving walls and columns. This church was then dedicated to St. Peter.

As the medieval era progressed, the hill became home to a new stronghold, created by Gian Galeazzo Visconti. Gian Galeazzo, the Duke of Milan, ordered many new buildings to be constructed here to create a fortification. This powerful bastion held its place for just over 400 years.

In 1801, the Napoleonic army arrived and destroyed the ancient buildings. When the Austrians arrived, some years later, they tore down what remained of St. Peter’s Church and built the military structure that now stands proudly on the hill, surveying the city of Verona. The edifice was created to house the officers of Austrian army, their weaponry, and supplies. What is now known as il Castel San Pietro was built between 1852 and 1856.

Finally, the castle became property of the city of Verona in 1932.

Why

Many believe that taking a trip up to the castle is well worth the visit if only for the vistas. There is a 270 degree panorama from the castle site all around the city. Often quoted as the best view in Verona, visitors can see for miles along the river, the Ponte Pietra Roman bridge below, as well as the other bridges crossing the Adige. Visitors can also make out the entire roman city below in its grid-like structure. The viewpoint at the castle gives a great sight of the Arena, the Roman theatre, and the whole stunning cityscape.

There are different ways to reach the caste sight. Visitors can choose to walk up through stairway leading from Ponte Pietra to the top or take a ride on the funicular. The funicular was built at the beginning of the 1940s to help travelers get to the top of the hill. However, due to the second world war it was taken out of service and not reinstated until 2017. Luckily, tourists can now use this transport to view St. Peter’s Hill from a different angle. With Bike The City tour you can get there with the e-bike as you can see in our Verona bike tour page.

The remarkable architecture is now over 150 years old and is worth a visit, even if tours cannot enter the castle itself. A scenic route takes you up following cobbled streets past the San Giovanni church and quaint, picturesque houses. Those who choose this option will be able to see some of the ruins from different epochs that are still surrounding the main castle grounds. The magnificent view and curious ties to distinct periods of history make the St. Peter’s Castle a must-see attraction in Verona.

More info on our bike tour in Verona.

Unique things to do in Milan

Unusual things to do in Milan: for the arts lovers

Quirky things to do in Milan: the weirdness even kids will enjoy

Unusual things to do in Milan: travel back in time

Alternative activities: time to have fun

Piazza Gae Aulenti

Bosco Verticale

Palazzo Lombardia

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Scaligero

Timeline of Mediolanum

Roman Sites Still Standing in the City of Milan

San Lorenzo Basilica

Via Brisa and the Palazzo Imperiale

Sant’Ambrogio Basilica

Origins of the Turin Egyptian Collection

Highlights of the Museum

Who Was Saint Zeno?

History of the Church

A Romanesque Masterpiece

Il Castello Sforzesco

The Sforza Castle Timeline

Unique Castle Characteristics

The Legend of the Biscione

Discover the Mysteries of the Chiesa Gran Madre

Borgo Po: Turin’s Bourgeois Neighbourhood

A Timeline of St. Peter’s Hill

Why

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