What to see at Piazza della Scala
Six stops that tell the story of Milan's cultural and civic drawing room, from the opera house to the Leonardo monument.
Teatro alla Scala
Designed by Giuseppe Piermarini in the neoclassical style, inaugurated in 1778 after a fire destroyed the previous Teatro Regio Ducale. It takes its name from the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which stood on the same site.
Museo Teatrale alla Scala
Inside the same building as the theatre, it houses costumes, scores, memorabilia and portraits dedicated to the history of opera. From some rooms you can look into the theatre hall from the boxes.
Monument to Leonardo da Vinci
A white marble statue by Pietro Magni (1872), at the centre of the square. At the base, four of Leonardo's students — Cesare da Sesto, Marco d'Oggiono, Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio and Andrea Salaino — flank reliefs dedicated to his disciplines.
Palazzo Marino
Built in the 16th century to a design by Galeazzo Alessi for the wealthy tax collector Tommaso Marino, it has been Milan's city hall since 1861. The façade facing the square was renovated in the 19th century by Luca Beltrami.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The glass-and-iron passage connecting the square to Piazza Duomo, with historic boutiques, elegant cafés and an imposing central 19th-century dome.
Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana
On the north-eastern side of the square, another work by Luca Beltrami, who designed much of the square's current architectural layout after its 19th-century opening.
Want to see a show at La Scala?
Tickets for opera, ballet and symphonic concerts sell out quickly — book well ahead, especially for the December 7th opening night.
See tickets and experiences
Space reserved for local operators.