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Copyright © 2022 Ptolemy

Our site contains links to third-party websites, the content of which is the responsibility of the respective owners/providers.

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Ptolemy

Ptolemy

All our content is conceived and written by our editorial team, consisting of students and recent graduates in Cultural Heritage, Ancient and Medieval History, and Arts.
Last updated on November 17, 2022
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Biking along the ancient gateways of Milan

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  • Italy
  • Milan

Milan is an ancient town which boasts even Roman remains in its historic city centre. The city possesses the signs of different eras and centuries, each characterised by diverse art, culture and tradition. Its gates and fortification walls can still recount a complicated and colourful history. In addition to being the entry point to the old, most extensive urban walls in Europe, the gates of Milan have become the identifying symbol of the area where a Milanese person lives.  Let us discover nine of Milan’s original eleven entrance gates that allow a deeper understanding of the city’s history and structure. Each one of them possesses distinctive elements of hidden traditions and curious backgrounds. We wil explore Porta Garibaldi, Porta Lodovica, Porta Magenta, Porta Nuova, Porta Romana, Porta Sempione, Porta Volta, Porta Ticinese, Porta Venezia, Porta Vigentina and Porta Vittoria. These gates represent different times of construction and diverse functions and purposes, recounting Roman and Medieval times, as well as French, Austrian and Spanish occupation.

Military
Society
Early Modern
Duchy of Milan
Alessandro Manzoni
Frederick Barbarossa
Napoleon Bonaparte
Saint Ambrose
Start tour

About the tour

Cycling
Easy
10
2:30

Start at

Gates of Porta Volta, P.za Antonio Baiamonti, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Places

Sforza Castle

Tips

We recommend biking this route by following the bike path marked on our map that passes around downtown Milan.

You can rent a bike/scooter through the numerous apps available (Lime, Tier, Voi, Bird, Bolt), or by taking one of the available municipality bikes at the following link:

  • BikeMi

Milan is a bustling city, and when cycling, it’s crucial to exercise caution and take full responsibility for your actions. Please be aware that this itinerary’s route helps you to reach each stop, and it is intended as a general guidance for navigation. However, it is advisable to follow the biking path (where possible) and adopt to the traffic directions without relying exclusively on the suggested route.

This itinerary pass by the following suggested museums/sites (tickets below are not included within this tour):

  • Sforza Castle
Tour preview

What's included

  • Self-guided audio tour - map including route and storytelling on every stop.
  • No app required - navigate in browser.
  • Entrance tickets for places are not included.
  • No live guide, equipment, food or transportation is provided.

On the move

Navigate and listen to audio.

Toggle text and map.

Tickets at your current stop.

Directions to stop. (On the map)

Follow your position. (On the map)

Remember to enable precise location services for ptolemy.app in your browser and device settings.

Biking along the ancient gateways of Milan
Start tour