Exploring Milan’s hidden gems on a private walking tour offers an enchanting opportunity to uncover the city’s lesser-known delights. Led by an expert guide, participants can expect to discover captivating sites, including the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa with its intriguing history, and the stunning trompe-l’oeil effect of the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. From uncovering the legend of San Gottardo to visiting a hidden gallery, this 90-minute tour provides a personalized glimpse into Milan’s rich culture and architecture – all while keeping group sizes intimate. What secrets might this off-the-beaten-path adventure reveal?
Key Points
- Explore Milan’s hidden gems and lesser-known sites, including enchanting churches like San Bernardino alle Ossa and Santa Maria presso San Satiro.
- Discover the sinister history and macabre decoration of the ossuary chapel at San Bernardino alle Ossa.
- Uncover the legend of the secret gallery within the walls of the Church of San Gottardo, once used by Milan’s aristocracy.
- Gain insights and historical context from an English-speaking expert guide during the 90-minute private walking tour.
- Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum of 10 participants and the convenience of a central meeting point in Duomo Square.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Activity Details
This 90-minute private walking tour takes visitors on a journey through Milan’s hidden gems, allowing them to discover secret churches and sites that even most locals don’t know about.
The tour includes visits to San Bernardino alle Ossa, a church with a sinister name, and the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, among other enchanting destinations.
Throughout the experience, an English-speaking guide will provide insights and historical context, ensuring participants gain a deeper understanding of these off-the-beaten-path locations.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Milan explorer, this tour promises to unveil a side of the city that few have the chance to witness.
Highlights
Visitors can expect to explore enchanting sites and out-of-the-way churches during this private walking tour of Milan.
They’ll learn about the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa and its sinister name, as well as uncover the Royal Palace, San Gottardo’s legend, and a hidden gallery in San Babila.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to see non-touristy sights that most locals don’t even know about.
Guests will explore Milan’s rich history and uncover the city’s hidden gems, guided by an English-speaking expert who’ll share fascinating insights along the way.
This off-the-beaten-path experience offers a chance to discover the lesser-known side of this vibrant Italian city.
Booking Information
The tour is priced at $93.71 per person, and guests can reserve their spot now and pay later. Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility and peace of mind when booking the Milan Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour. The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Guests can secure their spot by reserving now and paying later.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
The meeting point is Duomo Square, in front of the Museo del Novecento.
Dress code requires shoulders, midsection, and knees to be covered when entering churches.
Meeting Point
The meeting point for the Milan Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour is Duomo Square, in front of the Museo del Novecento (Palazzo dell’Arengario), located at Via Marconi, 1.
This convenient central location makes it easy for participants to find the starting point of the tour.
Duomo Square is a bustling hub in the heart of Milan, known for its iconic cathedral and surrounding historic buildings.
Gathering at this well-known landmark ensures everyone can easily locate the guide and begin the 90-minute exploration of Milan’s hidden gems.
The meeting point’s proximity to the tour’s highlights also allows for a seamless transition from the initial gathering to the first stop on the itinerary.
Additional Information
Tour participants should be mindful of the dress code when entering churches during the Milan Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour, as shoulders, midsection, and knees should be covered.
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Reviews indicate the tour provides good value for money, offering a unique opportunity to explore Milan’s hidden gems that most locals don’t know about.
The tour includes:
- Visiting enchanting sites and out-of-the-way churches
- Learning about the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa and its sinister name
- Exploring the Royal Palace, San Gottardo’s legend, and a hidden gallery in San Babila
- An English-speaking guide to provide insights and history throughout the 90-minute tour
Secret Churches and Sites
Although the Milan Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour covers several of the city’s hidden gems, two particularly enchanting secret churches stand out – San Bernardino alle Ossa and Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro.
San Bernardino alle Ossa is known for its sinister name and unique ossuary chapel, which displays the bones and skulls of past inhabitants.
Meanwhile, the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro boasts a stunning trompe-l’oeil effect, creating the illusion of a deep chancel when the actual space is quite shallow.
Both churches offer a glimpse into Milan’s rich history and provide a captivating contrast to the city’s more well-known landmarks.
Sinister Name of San Bernardino Alle Ossa
San Bernardino alle Ossa’s sinister name reflects its macabre history as a repository for human bones and skulls. This small church, tucked away in Milan’s historical center, houses a chapel adorned with the mortal remains of over 3,000 people.
The eerie ossuary was created in the 16th century to deal with overcrowding in local cemeteries.
Visitors can explore:
- The chapel’s haunting walls, covered in patterned arrangements of bones and skulls
- The story behind the church’s name, which translates to ‘St. Bernard of the Bones’
- The legend of a woman who allegedly murdered her husband and was entombed in the church’s walls
- The church’s architectural features, including its Renaissance-style facade and intricate interior design
Legend of San Gottardo and Hidden Gallery
The legend of San Gottardo adds intrigue to the church’s history, as it tells of a secret gallery hidden within its walls.
According to the tale, this clandestine passage once served as a means of escape for members of Milan’s aristocracy during times of unrest.
Visitors on the walking tour will get the chance to explore this mysterious space, which is said to have been used to transport the wealthy to safety.
The guide will share captivating stories about the church’s connection to Milan’s noble families and the hidden gallery‘s role in their history.
This little-known facet of San Gottardo offers a tantalizing glimpse into the city’s past.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Wheelchair-Accessible Areas on the Tour?
The tour’s accessibility for wheelchair users is unclear from the information provided. It would be best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about wheelchair-accessible areas and accommodations available on this private walking tour.
Can Participants Take Photos Inside the Churches?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos inside the churches visited on the tour, but they should be respectful and avoid using flash, as it may disturb other visitors or distract from the sacred atmosphere.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12?
The tour may not be the best choice for children under 12 as it focuses on visiting churches and sights that may not fully engage younger participants. The pace and content may be more suitable for older children or adults.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the 90-Minute Tour?
The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention restroom breaks, but it’s likely the guide will accommodate them as needed during the 90-minute walking tour. Participants should feel comfortable asking the guide for a restroom stop if required.
Is Parking Available Near the Meeting Point?
Parking near the Duomo Square meeting point is limited, but there are several paid garages and lots within a short walking distance. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or arrive early to secure a parking space.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Milan: Aperitivo With Food Selection & a Glass of Wine
- Milan: The Last Supper and Castello Sforzesco Guided Tour
- Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour With Eating Europe
- Milan Patisserie Tour – Do Eat Better Experience
- Milan: Classics of Italian Cuisine Cooking Class With Meal
- Venice – Day Trip From Milan
- Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class
- Milan: Italian Cocktail Class
- From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour
- Rise Higher: Duomo Sky Walk – Milans Heavenly Views
- Milan: Duomo and Rooftop Small-group Skip-the-line Tour
- Milan: Guided City Tour With Duomo and Optional Terrace
- Milan Wine Tasting With Italian Sommelier
- Milan: App-Based City Exploration Story Hunt Audio Guide
- Milan: Self-Guided Audio Tour Discovering Roman Heritage
Recap
This private walking tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Milan’s hidden gems.
Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore enchanting sites, churches, and a gallery while learning about the city’s rich history and culture.
With a personalized setting limited to 10 participants, it’s an ideal way to uncover Milan’s lesser-known side.