MILAN OLD AND NEW – 15K

Milan is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new. While many Italian cities feel like time capsules, Milan’s modern buildings and trendy hotspots stand alongside ancient churches and historic landmarks. The city’s nightlife scene is alive with stylish clubs and upscale bars, drawing a diverse crowd that includes both young professionals and the city’s traditional bourgeoisie, who still flock to Teatro La Scala as they did centuries ago.

Over the course of approximately 15 km, this tour will offer a unique perspective on Milan’s two contrasting identities, showcasing the city’s continuous transformation between past, present and future, and how it was able to “reinvent” itself across different times.

Explore the futuristic Citylife complex and admire the tranquil beauty of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper.

Our journey through time begins with a visit to the majestic Duomo, the heart of Milan’s ancient history. Next, we’ll delve into Milan’s post-World War II era by exploring the modern architectural masterpiece known as the Torre Velasca.

We’ll then journey back in time to discover the history behind the Santa Caterina Church and the Ca’ Granda, a former hospital that now serves as the University of Milan‘s main campus.

The trip stretches further along the old shapes of the Churches of Santo Stefano and San Bernardino alle Ossa, with its fascinating ossuary. Next, we’ll dive into Milan’s 1930s era with a visit to Piazza San Babila and its stunning “rationalist” buildings. But just around the corner lies the Quadrilatero della Moda, home to the luxurious mansions of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. As we move towards the Quadrilatero del Silenzio, you’ll marvel at the stunning Liberty and Art Deco architecture, including Ca’ de L’Oreggia and Villa Invernizzi with its famous Pink Flamingos.

After a quick shortcut through the Giardini Pubblici and a glimpse of the magnificent Railway Central Station from Piazza della Repubblica, we’ll enter the modern age once again with a visit to the Porta Nuova district in Piazza Gae Aulenti.

A refreshing drink in Corso Como, Porta Garibaldi and their lively Milanese movida will energize us before we travel back in time to the neoclassical Arco della Pace. But don’t get too comfortable in the past, as the ultramodern archi-star Citylife Complex is just a few blocks away!

The Old & New experience continues with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can see the world-famous Da Vinci’s Last Supper. After the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ll take a stroll through the tranquil English-style Parco Sempione, featuring the iconic Triennale Building and the majestic Castello Sforzesco.

We’ll also explore the charming bohemian district of Brera, home to the legendary Pinacoteca and the renowned Teatro alla Scala. Our tour concludes in the elegant Galleria, where the magnificent Duomo once again takes center stage.

This tour offers a delightful mix of old and new, from the stunning works of art in the Pinacoteca to the sleek lines of the Triennale Building. Don’t miss the chance to experience Milan’s unique blend of history and modernity.

What You Will See on the Milan “Old and New” 15K Running Tour

During this 15K guided running tour, guests explore Milan’s unique contrast between historic landmarks and modern architecture. The route connects medieval churches, Renaissance art, neoclassical boulevards, and contemporary districts, showing how Milan has continuously reinvented itself over time.

Along the route, you will see:

• Duomo di Milano – The historic heart of the city and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world
• Torre Velasca – Iconic post-war skyscraper blending modern and medieval design
• Università degli Studi di Milano – Former Renaissance hospital (Ca’ Granda) now serving as the main university campus
• San Bernardino alle Ossa – Unique church known for its ossuary chapel
• Piazza San Babila – Example of 20th-century rationalist architecture
• Quadrilatero della Moda – Luxury fashion district including Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga
• Quadrilatero del Silenzio – Elegant residential area with Liberty and Art Deco buildings
• Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli – Historic public gardens in central Milan
• Views of Milano Centrale – Monumental railway station from the early 20th century
• Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti – Milan’s contemporary skyline and financial district
• Corso Como – Lively street known for nightlife and modern Milanese culture
• Arco della Pace – Neoclassical triumphal arch
• CityLife – Futuristic district with contemporary architecture
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – Home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
• Parco Sempione – Large central park
• Castello Sforzesco – Historic Renaissance fortress
• Triennale di Milano – Important design and architecture museum
• Brera – Artistic neighborhood with galleries and cafés
• Pinacoteca di Brera – One of Italy’s most important art museums
• Teatro alla Scala – World-famous opera house
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Historic arcade and elegant final stop