An itinerary in Brera
Leaving from Cordusio Square, reach via Broletto, the ancient way to Como, and you will find Milan’s financial district.
As a matter of fact, a few steps apart, you will see on the left the offices of IntesaSanPaolo bank and on the right, those of Mediocredito Lombardo bank, just to give you a general idea of the financial activism in this area. Walking ahead, you will reach San Tommaso’s Church, whose interiors date from '500. The church has a nave and a neoclassical façade (Ionic columns overhang by tympanum).
Turning right, you will get to via Bossi, where on a side you can admire Palazzo Clerici, restored construction of 1600, widened in the following century. Inside, the outstanding Tapestry Gallery and Tiepolo’s fresco: The chariot of the Sun. Continuing on the main street, via Broletto, you will reach a small square, where the historic 15th-century Church of Santa Maria del Carmine is located.
The façade was designed by Maciachini (1818-1899), inspired by the neo-Gothic model of the late 19th century and has a large central rose window and two side windows. The central portal has a vaulting with Madonna and Child. Inside, 17th-century works of Fiammenghino (1561 – 1630) can be admired. Around the church, there is a network of narrow streets and high buildings that are part of what is considered a very excusive area (Via del Carmine and via Ciovasso that lead to via dell’Orso, via Madonnina, via Fiori Chiari and via Formentini, well-known for their shops, restaurants and fashionable nightspots).
On your left, you will be impressed by the fascinating Castello Sforzesco. Its 20th-century profile can be best enjoyed from Via Dante, where you will have a nice view of the central Filarete's Tower (the historical tower was destroyed by an explosion in 1521). Still part of the original group, are the three main section of the internal courtyard called Rocchetta. In the back of the Ducal court, Il Portico dell’Elefante, dating back to 1473. The Museums of the Castle house very important treasures, both for historical and artistic reasons, among which we would like to mention the Trivulzian Code by Leonardo, an ancient manuscript, and the world-famous Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo.
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