A romantic journey through Milan should begin with its most impressive monument - the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). This Gothic temple, whose construction took more than six centuries (from 1386 to 1965), impresses not only with its monumental façade adorned with 3,400 sculptures, but above all offers lovers an unforgettable experience on its viewing terraces. Climbing to a height of 70 meters (you can take the elevator or climb 250 stairs), couples can admire the city skyline from a perspective that will take your breath away. Particularly magical is the view at sunset, when the last rays illuminate the rooftops of Milan, and in the distance, in good weather, the majestic Alps can be seen. Legend has it that a kiss exchanged on the terrace of the cathedral at sunset ensures eternal love - what could be a more romantic start to an adventure together?

From the cathedral, a natural step is to walk to Piazza del Duomo - the heart of Milan and one of the largest squares in Europe. This huge 17,000-square-meter square is the perfect place for photos together with the impressive cathedral in the background. Note the elegant buildings surrounding the square, including the Palazzo Reale - the former seat of Milan's rulers. For couples who like to observe city life, the piazza offers numerous cafes with gardens where you can observe the bustling heart of the city with a cup of authentic Italian espresso.

From the cathedral square, lovers can head to a true architectural gem - the Galleria Victor Emmanuel II, the oldest operating shopping mall in Italy, opened in 1877. This 19th-century glass and iron structure, which resembles a Latin cross in shape, is referred to by locals as the 'salon of Milan'. Walking under the impressive 47-meter-high central dome is not only an opportunity to shop in exclusive boutiques, but above all to experience the extraordinary atmosphere of the place. Those in love can stop at one of the historic cafes, such as Caffè Biffi that has operated continuously since the gallery opened, and enjoy sweet pastries to the sound of live music. The most famous tradition associated with the gallery is to turn on your heel at the mosaic depicting a bull (located in the central part of the gallery) - according to local legend, this brings good luck and ensures a return to Milan. Couples often perform this ritual together, which is supposed to guarantee that their paths will remain intertwined forever.

It is worth noting that these first three points of our romantic itinerary are very close to each other, making it convenient to visit without having to take public transportation. The Cathedral and the Galleria of Victor Emmanuel II are bustling places throughout the day, so couples who prefer a more intimate experience may want to consider a visit in the early morning, when the city is just waking up and the light of the morning gives the monuments a unique character.

Following our romantic tour of Milan, it's impossible to miss the majestic Castello Sforzesco, a massive fortress that has guarded the city for centuries and today is one of its most important monuments. This 15th-century castle, built by the Sforza dynasty on the foundations of an earlier fortress from the 14th century, is a place where history speaks to visitors at every turn. For lovers, the inner courtyards of the castle are particularly charming, where you can find secluded corners perfect for a moment of privacy among the historic walls. The castle hides real treasures of art - its interiors house Michelangelo's last unfinished work 'Pietà Rondanini', as well as numerous museums displaying collections ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to furniture from different eras. A romantic stroll through the castle's chambers is a journey back in time, allowing couples to share impressions and discoveries.

Directly behind the castle is the Parco Sempione, the largest park in the center of Milan, established in 1888. This 38-hectare green space was designed in the English style, with picturesque paths, lakes and bridges. The park is an ideal oasis of calm for couples seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. In spring and summer, you can rent bicycles here or simply spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a picnic in the shade of centuries-old trees. A particularly romantic spot in the park is the artificial lake, where you can rent a boat and paddle together, admiring the castle's panorama reflected in the water surface. The park is also home to the Municipal Aquarium (Acquario Civico), the oldest aquarium in Italy, opened in 1906, which can be an interesting stop for couples interested in the underwater world.

However, the real gem of Parco Sempione, which few people know about before coming to Milan, is the Bridge of the Little Mermaids (Bridge of the Little Mermaids). This charming bridge, built in 1942, owes its name to the two mermaid sculptures placed on its railings. According to local legend, this bridge has magical powers - couples who exchange a kiss on it at sunset are supposed to be bestowed with eternal love. Moreover, there is a tradition that lovers, while crossing the bridge, should whisper their wish in the ear of one of the mermaids - if they do it with a pure heart, the wish is supposed to come true within a year. This little-known bridge has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years for couples from around the world who come to Milan to experience its magic. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the setting sun gives the park a golden glow and the bridge is not yet besieged by tourists.

It is worth noting that both the castle and the park are available free of charge, making them attractive to couples traveling on a budget. In contrast, you have to pay for admission to the castle museums (prices are about average for Italian cultural institutions). Park Sempione offers a much quieter atmosphere than the city center, which will be appreciated by couples who prefer silence and contact with nature. Unlike the crowded Cathedral and the Galleria of Victor Emmanuel II, here you can find secluded places for private conversations and exploring Milan's lesser-known corners together.

To complete a romantic weekend in Milan, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie - a pearl of Renaissance architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 15th-century temple, whose construction began in 1463, impresses not only with its harmonious body and elegant red-brick facade, but above all hides one of the greatest treasures of world art - Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper'. The painting, executed between 1495 and 1498 on the wall of the monastery refectory, depicts the dramatic moment when Jesus announces to the apostles that one of them will betray him. For couples interested in art and history, admiring this masterpiece together can become a profound spiritual experience and a starting point for reflection on the passing and eternity of feelings. It is worth remembering that due to the limited number of people who can view the fresco at the same time (a maximum of 25 people for 15 minutes), tickets should be booked well in advance - even a few months before the planned visit.

After a busy day of sightseeing, lovers can take a romantic evening stroll in the Navigli district - one of the most picturesque corners of Milan. This historic area, crisscrossed by a system of canals designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, turns into a bustling scene for romantic encounters after dark. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals, illuminated in the evening by lamps reflecting in the water, create a magical atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of Venice. Couples can choose one of the many restaurants with terraces over the water, where they can sum up the day's impressions over a glass of Lombard wine and traditional delicacies. Particularly charming is the bridge over the Naviglio Grande canal, which offers a view of colorful townhouses reflected in the water - the perfect place for an evening selfie or simply a moment of contemplation.

For couples looking for a less obvious but equally romantic experience, Milan also offers the Brera district - the artistic heart of the city. This area, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and historic townhouses, is home to numerous art galleries, antique shops and handicraft boutiques. A stroll through Brera is an opportunity to discover hidden courtyards, tiny squares and charming cafes, where you can stop for a while and feel the true non-touristy atmosphere of the city. Particularly worth a visit is the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most important art galleries in Italy, where you can admire works by such masters as Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna. For couples interested in astronomy and science, an interesting stop might also be the Brera Astronomical Observatory, founded in the 18th century, which organizes evening sky shows - what could be more romantic than watching the stars together?

Comparing all seven of the described places in terms of their romantic potential, it's worth noting that each offers a different kind of experience. The Cathedral and the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery impress with their monumentality and elegance, but they are also the most crowded places. The Sforzesco Castle and Park Sempione allow for more intimate moments among the greenery and historic walls. The Bridge of the Little Mermaids offers a magical moment connected to a local legend, and Santa Maria delle Grazie provides a deep spiritual experience. The Navigli district, on the other hand, is the perfect place for a romantic evening by the canals. Prices also vary from place to place, ranging from free (park, bridge, Navigli walk) to medium (admission to castle museums) to more expensive (tickets to the cathedral's observation deck or the 'Last Supper'). In terms of accessibility, seeing the 'Last Supper' may be the most problematic due to the need for advance reservations, while the other sites are easily accessible year-round. Regardless of the highlights chosen, Milan offers couples an unforgettable experience that can strengthen their bond and create lifelong memories.