Many of Italy’s modern day cities have been inhabited for thousands of years. The result is an interesting mix of ancient, old, and fairly new, sometimes in a jumble of styles and colors. What I most appreciate is the use of space, such as squeezing a church into a tiny corner, or trying something more modern like a highline walkway over Milan’s famed Galleria.
I don’t love heights, but I do love Italian rooftop views, so I was excited to catwalk along the Galleria building with DoingItaly.
The highline project, which opened in 2015, offers a unique vantage point to take in the city.
After taking the elevator to the fourth floor, you must scale another set of steps in order to find yourself a full 40 meters (120 feet) above Milan.
The walkways are literally built onto the top of the Galleria’s roof, and seem to zigzag from building to building.
It is the first time I have ever seen anything like it in Italy, and it is such a creative use of space.
The height has the obvious advantage of unbroken vistas. Several lookout points allow visitors to stop and admire Milan in nearly every direction.
But there are also platforms large enough for a picnic!
The food can be ordered at the same time as your ticket, so that lunch is waiting as soon as you climb above the city.
While countryside picnics are usually my jam, I loved the urban twist on outdoor dining within sight of the spires of the duomo.
Milan’s highline is so far removed from the crowds that gather under the glass of the galleria that it easily feels like another secret world.
And once you climb down? Well, there’s always old faithful:
Milan Highline Galleria
Via Silvio Pellico, 2
Milan, Italy
Open everyday from 10 am – 9 pm (but closed August 15th)
I visited the Highline with DoingItaly, a new company which designs unique experiences in Milan, Lake Como and more!
