Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

One of Milan's premier museums is the Ambrosiana, located just a few steps from the landmark cathedral. It is more than a picture gallery, though; there is a beautiful library filled with historic tomes, and the Accademia Ambrosiana, which is a prestigious music conservatory. The cultural complex was founded in 1609 by Cardinal Borromeo, with the art gallery being added in 1618.

The most important holding here is the Da Vinci Codice Atlantico (Atlantic Codex), a collection of Leonardo's papers spanning a 40-year period that includes writings and drawings on mechanics, mathematics, astronomy, botany, geography and anatomy. His studies for the urban refacing of Milano, a project for building a new Medici palace in Florence, and sketches and cartoons of his most renowned works are also part of the codex.

The art museum is an outstanding collection of masterpieces by illustrious artists, including Leonardo, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Titian and Veronese. There are many great works by regional artists, as well.

The Ambrosiana complex is on Piazza Pio XI, around the corner from the Duomo. The area between this piazza and the church of San Sepolcro beyond was the site of the ancient Roman forum. Visit the crypt of San Sepolcro and see the amazing forest of columns and ruins below ground.

The Ambrosiana Museum is open from 10:-00 AM til 6:00 PM; closed Mondays.