The Geographic Location of Milan – A Strategic Spot in the Heart of Europe
Milan’s coat of arms
History of Milan
Saint Ambrose
History of Panettone
Madonnina
City Hall
Milanese cuisine
Quick Facts
- Tallest building in Milan (with a spire): Unicredit Tower (231 m).
- Tallest building without a spire: Allianz Tower (209.2 m).
- Oldest skyscraper in Milan: Torre Breda (completed in 1955).
- Newest skyscraper: Gioia 22, completed in 2021.
- Green skyscraper: Bosco Verticale, winner of multiple awards for integrating greenery and architecture.
Most floors: Allianz Tower (50 floors). - Most floors: Allianz Tower (50 floors).
Milan, known not only for its rich history and fashion but also for its modern architecture, has become a place where skyscrapers are springing up rapidly. The city continues to evolve, and in recent years, its skyline has changed at a remarkable pace thanks to new, impressive structures. In this article, we’ll explore Milan’s most significant skyscrapers, organized by districts and urban complexes, to better understand how each structure impacts the city’s growth.
Porta Nuova
The Porta Nuova district is one of the most modern areas in Milan, serving as an example of successful urban revitalization. It is also the city’s financial center, with numerous skyscrapers and office buildings, as well as public spaces that attract both locals and tourists.
In addition to impressive skyscrapers, this district offers many fascinating spots to explore. Piazza Gae Aulenti serves as Porta Nuova’s central hub, surrounded by modern buildings, fountains, and art installations, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and social gatherings. Nearby, Corso Como 10 is an iconic destination featuring boutiques, a bookstore, an art gallery, and a cozy restaurant. The Biblioteca degli Alberi, a modern urban park with diverse vegetation and walking paths, offers a green oasis in the city’s heart. Another attraction, especially for history and art lovers, is the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano, a renowned cemetery with impressive monuments and chapels where notable personalities are laid to rest.
Let’s look at the skyscrapers in Porta Nuova:
Unicredit Tower
The Unicredit Tower is the tallest building in Italy, standing 231 meters tall with its spire. This 31-story skyscraper, designed by Césara Pellego, serves as the headquarters of UniCredit bank. Its distinctive spiral shape and reflective glass facade make it an icon of modern architecture in Milan. The tower is part of the larger Porta Nuova complex, which includes office, retail, and public spaces. Surrounding it is Piazza Gae Aulenti, a popular meeting spot offering numerous restaurants, shops, and fountains. It is also worth noting the evening lighting of the spire, which changes colors depending on the occasion.
Address: Piazza Gae Aulenti, 3, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Torre Diamante (Diamond Tower)
Torre Diamante is a 140-meter skyscraper completed in 2012 and serves as BNP Paribas Group’s headquarters. As Milan’s tallest all-steel building, its name “Diamond” refers to its faceted facade, giving the structure a unique look. The skyscraper’s design by Kohn Pedersen Fox includes glass and steel elements, creating a diamond crystal illusion, making it one of the city’s most unique buildings.
Address: Viale della Liberazione, 16, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Torre Solaria
Torre Solaria is the tallest residential building in Italy, with a height of 143 meters, located in the Porta Nuova district. Designed by Miami-based studio Arquitectonica, it offers 102 luxury apartments on 34 floors, each with large terraces and modern finishes. The high-rise also offers numerous amenities such as a party room, home theater, gym, billiard room and yoga area, making it one of the most desirable addresses in Milan.
Address: Via Carlo de Cristoforis 6, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Gioia 22 (La Scheggia di Vetro)
Known as “The Glass Shard,” Gioia 22 is a modern office skyscraper standing 121 meters tall. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and completed in 2021, this building is an excellent example of sustainable architecture. Gioia 22 features over 6,000 m² of photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing energy consumption, while the building’s triple-glazed facade provides optimal thermal insulation.
Address: Via Melchiorre Gioia, 22, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Gioia 20 Est i Gioia 20 Ovest (I Portali)
Gioia 20 Est and Gioia 20 Ovest, also known as “I Portali,” are modern office buildings scheduled for completion in 2024. Gioia 20 Est stands at 98 meters, while Gioia 20 Ovest reaches 65 meters. Both buildings feature unique architecture with large windows and regular spacing between pilasters. These are also the first buildings in Milan to use Twin elevators, enhancing internal transportation efficiency.
Address: Via Melchiorre Gioia, 20, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Torre Unipol
Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, Torre Unipol is a building measuring between 120 and 125 meters in height, intended as the new headquarters for the UnipolSai group. Its unique cylindrical form with a facade made of steel mesh, glass, and wood resembles an organic “nest” shape. The skyscraper incorporates sustainable solutions, such as a double facade for better thermal insulation and solar panels on the roof. The building is currently in its final stages of construction.
Address: Via Fratelli Castiglioni, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Bosco Verticale
Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest,” is a complex consisting of two towers measuring 111 and 76 meters, covered with over 20,000 plants. This innovative architectural project, designed by Stefano Boeri, has won numerous international awards for its approach to eco-friendly building. The towers serve as both an ecosystem and residential buildings, improving air quality and reducing urban noise.
Address: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 11, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Restaurants
Porta Nuova is also a true haven for food lovers, offering a wide variety of dining options. For a high-end culinary experience, Ristorante Berton serves modern Italian cuisine with a Michelin star. For a meal with a view, Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant on the rooftop offers excellent food alongside a scenic outlook over the district. Seafood lovers will enjoy Pescaria, known for its fresh and creative seafood dishes. Café Gorille, a popular spot for breakfast or brunch, offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious menu.
CityLife
CityLife is a modern Milan district known for impressive skyscrapers and spacious recreational areas. The CityLife Shopping District is one of the largest shopping centers in the city, offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and a cinema. Casa Milan, the headquarters of the AC Milan football club, includes a club museum and souvenir shop. Parco Sempione, a large city park nearby, offers beautiful green spaces and attractions like the Sforza Castle, aquarium, and Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace). MiCo – Milano Congressi, one of Europe’s largest conference centers, frequently hosts various international events and conferences.
Skyscrapers in the neighborhood:
Generali Tower (Lo Storto)
The Generali Tower, also known as Lo Storto (The Twisted), stands 191.5 meters tall with 44 floors. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this skyscraper is one of the most modern office buildings in Milan. Its twisted form symbolizes architectural innovation and modernity. The Generali Tower also serves as the headquarters of Generali Group, one of Italy’s largest insurance companies.
Address: Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan, Italy.
PwC Tower (Il Curvo)
The PwC Tower, also known as Il Curvo (The Curved) due to its distinctive bent shape, stands 175 meters tall and serves as PricewaterhouseCoopers’ office headquarters. Designed by American architect Daniel Libeskind, the tower draws inspiration from Michelangelo’s “Pietà Rondanini” sculpture. The building includes modern and flexible workspaces, conference rooms, and a 40-meter steel-and-glass “crown” on top, offering spectacular views of the city.
Address: Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan, Italy.
Torre Allianz (Il Dritto) or Torre Isozaki
Also known as Il Dritto (The Straight), Torre Allianz is the tallest building in Italy by floor count, with 50 floors. Designed by Arata Isozaki and Andrea Maffei, the tower stands 209.2 meters tall. It serves as the Italian headquarters for Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, symbolizing elegance and stability. Its simple, slim shape contrasts sharply with the neighboring skyscrapers in the CityLife complex.
Address: Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan, Italy.
CityWave
CityWave is a project that adds to the CityLife complex, comprising two buildings connected by a 140-meter rooftop structure. This modern project will feature Milan’s largest urban photovoltaic park, covering 11,000 m² with solar panels, along with office spaces, a hotel, restaurants, and green public areas. Construction completion is expected between 2025 and 2026.
Address: Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan, Italy.
Restaurants in the CityLife Area
CityLife offers a diverse range of culinary options to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. For a luxurious dinner, Iyo, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Milan, has been awarded a Michelin star. Seafood enthusiasts should visit Langosteria, known for its excellent quality fish and seafood. If you prefer classic Italian cuisine, Gemelli Diversi offers dishes inspired by tradition with a modern twist. For a more casual experience, try That’s Vapore, where fresh ingredients and light dishes are the norm.
Cascina Merlata
Cascina Merlata is a sustainable development district offering spacious green areas and modern residential buildings. The main attraction in this area is Cascina Merlata Park, an extensive park with numerous walking trails, picnic spots, and recreational areas. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. Nearby is also Fiera Milano, the main exhibition and congress center in Milan, regularly hosting international fairs and events.
Città Contemporanea 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 i 4.0
Città Contemporanea is a residential project in the Cascina Merlata district, designed with sustainable development and high quality of life in mind. The complex consists of several residential towers of varying heights, with the latest buildings reaching up to 92 meters. Città Contemporanea aims to create a modern, self-sufficient district with ample green spaces, recreational facilities, and various services.
Part of Città Contemporanea 3.0 should be completed by the end of 2024, while work on Città Contemporanea 4.0 will only begin in 2025.
Address: Via Pier Paolo Pasolini, 20151 Milan, Italy
Restaurants
Cascina Merlata is home to many places that offer local cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Osteria Cascina Caremma offers dishes based on local products and traditional recipes for an authentic Italian dining experience. Agriturismo Dolce Luna is another charming place serving farm-to-table style dishes that draw on local traditions. For lovers of home cooking, Locanda alla Mano, offering a wide selection of classic Italian dishes, would be an ideal choice.
Porta Romana
Porta Romana is a neighborhood rich in history and extraordinary charm, offering both modern and traditional attractions. The Fondazione Prada is one of Milan’s most important centers for contemporary art, regularly hosting unique art exhibitions and events. For those seeking relaxation, QC Termemilano offers luxurious thermal baths and spas with thermal pools, saunas and relaxation gardens.
Torre Faro (Torre A2A)
Torre Faro, also known as Torre A2A, is a planned 145-meter-high skyscraper that will be the new headquarters of A2A, Italy’s largest multi-utility. The building, designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, will feature innovative architectural features, such as a 60-meter-high “spaccatura” that will include Pennsylvania gardens. At the top will be an observation deck open to the public. Anticipated completion: 2025
Address: Piazza Trento, 20135 Milan, Italy
Restaurants
In Porta Romana you will find a wide selection of restaurants offering authentic Italian flavors. Giulio Pane e Ojo is a place known for its traditional Roman cuisine, where you can try such classics as carbonara and cacio e pepe. Trippa Milano is a modern restaurant that has gained popularity for its innovative interpretation of traditional Italian dishes. If you want to try contemporary Lombard cuisine, Ratanà is the perfect place, combining tradition and modernity in every dish.
Other modern districts and complexes
TheTris (Barona)
TheTris is a modern skyscraper in Milan, located in the Barona neighborhood near the Famagosta metro station. The project was originally named Skydrop, but was renamed TheTris in December 2022. The building features modern architecture and is part of a rapidly developing part of the city.
Address: Via Santander 9, 20142 Milan, Italy
Torre Servizi Tecnici Comunali
Torre Servizi Tecnici Comunali is a 90-meter-high modernist skyscraper that for decades served as municipal offices. The building is currently undergoing revitalization and will become part of the modern Porta Nuova district, offering new office and recreational spaces.
Address: Via Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 39, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Tourist attractions
As for other individual skyscrapers, such as TheTris in Barona and Torre Servizi Tecnici Comunali, they are located in different parts of Milan and also offer interesting places to visit. Near TheTris, you can explore the charming Naviglio Pavese, a popular canal with numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants. Meanwhile, close to Torre Servizi Tecnici Comunali, you can visit Piazza Gae Aulenti and the historic Grattacielo Pirelli.
Restaurants
For other high-rises in less central locations, such as Barona, it’s worth mentioning restaurants such as Al Fresco, where seasonal, fresh Italian cuisine is served in a green garden. Il Principe dei Navigli is ideal for fish and seafood lovers, offering Mediterranean flavors. Trattoria Madonnina is a classic trattoria offering traditional dishes and an atmosphere that takes guests back to the days of old Milan.
Historical Skyscrapers and Classic Buildings
Grattacielo Pirelli (Pirellone)
The Grattacielo Pirelli, also known as Pirellone, is a classic 127-meter skyscraper designed by Gio Ponti. Completed in 1960, it was a symbol of modernity and technological progress in Italy for decades. The skyscraper houses both office and public spaces and remains one of Milan’s most recognizable buildings.
Address: Via Fabio Filzi, 22, 20124 Milan, Italy.
Torre Velasca
Torre Velasca is one of Milan’s most iconic and distinctive skyscrapers, built in a brutalist style with elements inspired by medieval Lombard architecture. Completed in 1957 by the BBPR studio (Banfi, Belgiojoso, Peressutti, Rogers), the building stands 106 meters tall with 28 floors, including two underground. Known for its unique shape, it widens at the upper floors, giving it a “mushroom-like” appearance.
Address: Piazza Velasca, 3/5, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Torre Breda
Torre Breda is a historic skyscraper and was the first building in Milan to surpass the height of the Madonnina statue atop the Duomo. Standing at 116 meters, it symbolized the city’s post-WWII reconstruction. Today, the skyscraper hosts both residential and office spaces.
Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 32, 20124 Milan, Italy
Tourist attractions
In the area where Milan’s historic skyscrapers and classic buildings are located, there are many fascinating places worth visiting. Stazione Centrale di Milano is one of the city’s main railway stations, renowned for its monumental architecture, often serving as a starting point for exploring Milan. Nearby, you can also discover Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, the oldest public park in Milan, perfect for relaxing walks in greenery. The park also houses the Planetarium di Milano, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts, offering engaging shows and educational workshops.
Close to Torre Velasca, you’ll find Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Milan, home to the impressive Duomo Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest and most luxurious shopping galleries. Another noteworthy attraction is the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano, a famous cemetery with impressive monuments and chapels, also serving as the resting place for many notable figures. Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by luxury hotels and cafes, offers a peaceful atmosphere with views of historic buildings.
Restaurants
The neighborhood of Milan’s historic skyscrapers offers a rich selection of places for lovers of culinary experiences to sample both classic and modern versions of Italian dishes. Michelin-starred Joia specializes in vegan and vegetarian food, serving creative dishes that will surprise even the most discerning palates. For traditional Italian meals such as homemade pasta and risotto, head to Ristorante Nabucco, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a unique taste of traditional Lombard cuisine. For those who want a more luxurious experience, Ristorante Cracco provides modern interpretations of classic Italian dishes, prepared by one of Italy’s most famous chefs, Carlo Cracco. Not to be forgotten is Trattoria Milanese, which serves authentic Milanese cuisine in a traditional setting, perfect for those who want to feel the atmosphere of old Milan.
Milan is a city of contrasts, where historic streets and elegant buildings blend with modern skyscrapers. As you walk through its neighborhoods, from the lively Porta Nuova to the avant-garde CityLife, it’s easy to notice how the city is constantly evolving, striving toward the future. Milan’s skyscrapers not only shape the city’s skyline but also tell its story – of ambition, innovation, and continuous evolution. The next time you’re in Milan, take a moment to stop, look up, and let these architectural wonders remind you of how much the city has to offer. Who knows, you might discover something new by looking at Milan from a different perspective.
FAQs
What is the tallest building in Milan?
Unicredit Tower with its spire (231 m).
Which building has the most floors?
Allianz Tower (50 floors).
Which building is the most eco-friendly?
Bosco Verticale, with over 20,000 plants on its facades.
When is the CityWave construction expected to be completed?
Between 2025 and 2026.
Where are the best restaurants near Porta Nuova?
It’s worth visiting Ristorante Berton, Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant, and Pescaria.
I lived in Milan for 18 years, and it was there that I came to know the city’s daily life best - not just its landmarks, but also its rhythm, its habits, and its less obvious sides. Today I live in Wrocław, but I still return to Milan regularly.