Built on the ruins of a 14th-century monastery, the sprawling Palazzo Brera is home to a number of cultural institutions, most notably the Pinacoteca di Brera. This museum holds the pick of Italy’s masters, including Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio and the Bellini brothers. The huge Napoleon statue in the palace’s courtyard alludes to the origins of this collection–many of the most impressive paintings were looted from Venice and brought to Milan, the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy, under the orders of the French general. Don’t miss the glass restoration chamber in Room 18, where the museum’s conservation process is made transparent. After you have reached your art quota, wind through the palace to the narrow botanical garden; 300-plus species can be found in the thick tangle, which offers a much-needed respite from the windowless galleries.
Time Out Tip: On the third Sunday of every month, an antique market pops up in the streets surrounding the Pinacoteca di Brera.
