Hidden Milan Behind the Duomo
A self-guided walk in Milan.
1h. 1.0 miles. From Santa Maria presso San Satiro to San Bernardino alle Ossa.
A short walk of illusions and curiosities: Bramante's painted perspective, Leonardo's codex, a medieval market square and a chapel lined with bones.
The local move
Stop at Peck's ground floor for a look at the cheese and salumi counters, even without buying.
Best time to go
Any morning, under an hour of walking
When to avoid it
Mondays, when the Ambrosiana is closed
The stops
Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Bramante painted a deep apse onto a wall less than a metre deep.
Tip: Walk towards the altar and watch the illusion collapse.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Home of Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit and pages from Leonardo's Codex Atlanticus.
Tip: The codex pages rotate; ask which are on display.
Peck
Milan's great food hall since 1883, with counters of cheese, salumi and pasta.
Tip: The upstairs restaurant is calm for a light lunch.
Piazza dei Mercanti
The medieval market square, with the Palazzo della Ragione on its arches.
Tip: Step under the portico to find the echo spot locals know.
San Bernardino alle Ossa
A small chapel whose walls are decorated with human bones.
Tip: Entry is free; keep voices low, it is still a church.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
