Palazzo Reale (Palazzo Reale di Milano) is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Milan, Italy. It is said to have been built during the 1300s by the Visconti family. It saw reconstructions and renovations due to damage suffered during World War II. Several conquerors were also responsible for alterations. The Italian architect Giuseppe Piermarini along with the Viennese-trained architect Leopold Pollack rebuilt it in 1773. One of the most important places in Palazzo Reale is the Hall of Caryatids, located on the first floor of the building. It is built on the site where the Court Theater (old theater) burned in 1776.

In the Middle Ages, the palace served as a seat of the government of Milan. Its importance increased with the rule of the Torriani, Visconti, and Sforza families. Palazzo Reale was opened to the general public in the 1920s when its ownership was handed over to the state.

Presently, the Palazzo Reale is an important place for conducting exhibitions. Over 1,500 chefs-d’oeuvres from the popular museums in the world are displayed in a space of 7,000 square metres. The facade of the building features a neo-classical architectural style.

The Duomo Museum at Palazzo Reale is different from the museum at the Duomo. The exhibits at the Palazzo’s Duomo museum are attractive. You would see a large-sized model of the Duomo itself along with certain treasures, paintings, statues, etc. at the museum. You can learn about the cathedral’s history at the museum.

Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan) Map

Facts about Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan)

• Initially, the palace was known as Palazzo Vecchio Broletto.
• Palazzo Reale survived severe bombing in 1943.
• Pablo Picasso exhibited his painting “Guernica” at the palazzo in 1951.

Where is Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan)?

Situated to the south of the Duomo, the Palazzo Reale can be reached within 20 minutes by car from Milan’s Linate Airport.

Best time to visit Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan)

The best seasons to visit Milan are spring and fall. You may plan your tour to Palazzo Reale during these seasons.

Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan) Hours

The Palazzo Reale opens at the following timings:

• Mondays: From 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays to Sundays: From 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursdays and Saturdays: From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan) Tickets

The entry ticket to the Palazzo Reale costs €9.00 per person.

More on Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Milan)

Nearby Attractions: St Ambrogio Basilica, Museo Poldi, Galleria D’Arte Moderna, Teatro alla Scala, Duomo of Milan, Museo Cenacolo Vinciano, and Museo del Novecento.

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Image Credit : Geobia

Pompeii, Italy – If you want to travel back 2,000 years, come to Pompeii. This largest archeological site in Europe is where history resides. The well-preserved ruins of the once prosperous city are a testimony to the yesteryear glories and a window to the ancient ways of life in Italy. The charm of this heritage site lingers long after you have paid a visit.

History

Pompeii belonged to the ancient Greeks, who first settled here in the 8^th century B.C. However, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city under a thick sheet of volcanic ashes. The site was rediscovered by a delegation of archeologists in 1748 and found most parts of the city virtually intact. UNESCO designated Pompeii as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Things to Do in Pompeii

The premier archeological site is the place to get familiar with the ancient Italian way of living. It’s a rare visit to centuries-old homes, shops, temples, amphitheaters and more.

Do visit Mount Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano that invites you to hike and reach the 3,900-ft-high summit. The aerial view of the Bay of Naples from the summit is fascinating.

Nearby Attractions

When you have a happening city like Naples in close vicinity, then you are up for having some really good time hanging around. Enter Naples and you will have a number of famous destinations at your disposal such as the Naples National Archeological Museum, Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace of Naples, Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, and Teatro di San Carlo (Royal Theatre of Saint Charles).

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is close to the Bay of Naples in the Province of Naples in South-western Italy.

How to Reach Pompeii?

 By Air – The Naples International Airport is the nearest one from Pompeii. It takes a half-an-hour drive from the airport to cover a distance of around 30 km.

 By Train – Circumvesuviana di Napoli is the nearest railway station from Pompeii, which is located at a distance of 25.5 km. The railway route connects Pompeii with Circumvesuviana and Sorrento.

 By Road – The Naples Metropolitan City is a mere 25.6 km from Pompeii and requires a half-an-hour drive from there. Pompeii is also well connected by road to some of the other major cities of the region.

Accommodations

There are several hotels near Pompeii to choose from. Pompeii Resort, Hotel Forum, Hotel Palma, and Hotel Maiuri take care of the needs of those who won’t mind shelling out more in return of luxury. Accommodations such as Hotel Iside, Hotel Diana, Hotel Degli Amici, Hotel Del Sole, Hotel Visagi, Hotel Giovanna, and Santa Caterina are the best options for the economy travelers to choose from.

Restaurants

Although there are very few restaurants near Pompeii, they do provide great food. The President and Ristorante Lucullus offer sumptuous Italian dishes and delicacies. If you want to try pizzas, head to Ristorante & Pizzeria da Gigino. The Melius, a gourmet deli, offers you plenty to choose from and satisfy your taste buds. Local delicacies such as Soppressata Cilentana (smoked salami from Cilento), Gragnano pasta, mozzarella di bufala, and Amalfi Coast marmalades are some of the best you can get in the country. If you head northwards to the city of Naples, more options open up.

Best Time to Visit

April to October is the best time to visit Pompeii as the weather remains quite pleasant during this period.

Things to Remember

Operating Hours

08:30 to 19:30 (April-October). No entry after 18:00

08:30 to 17:00 (November-March). No entry after 15:30

Entry Tickets

Adults – €11

EU citizens under 18 and over 65 years – Entry Free

Facts About Pompeii

• Pompeii was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The city is spread over an area of 98 hectares.
• The ruins of Pompeii are the largest archeological site in Europe.
• This tourist destination attracts over 2.5 million visitors from around the world every year.
• As per the historians, the destroyer of Ancient Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius – has seen more than 50 eruptions over the centuries.
• The archeological excavations of Pompeii are still going on even after three centuries have passed since it was re-discovered.
• Find out facts about Italy here….

Image Credit: Kim Traynor

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.