The best way to explore Milan is to start at its heart - Piazza del Duomo, where one of the city's most impressive monuments rises. The Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is a true marvel of Gothic architecture that was built over nearly six centuries. Started in 1386, it was not completed until 1965, when the last bronze doors were installed. This gigantic temple, decorated with 3,400 sculptures and 135 spires, offers free admission to the main nave. Inside, visitors can admire 52 massive columns, stained-glass windows dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, and a mysterious red skylight that illuminates a bronze marker on the floor every March 21, indicating where the solar meridian once stood. According to local legend, the cathedral's tallest spire houses a gilded statue of the Madonna that protects the city - locals believe that no building in Milan can be taller than her position.

Just steps away from the Duomo is the Galleria Victor Emmanuel II, often referred to as the 'salon of Milan.' This elegant shopping arcade, opened in 1877, is one of the oldest malls in the world. It doesn't cost a cent to visit, and offers an amazing aesthetic experience thanks to its glass dome, mosaic floors and richly decorated arches. Note the mosaic depicting a bull on the floor - local tradition says that turning on your heel three times on the bull's genitals brings good luck. Over the years, tourists have practiced this custom so zealously that a distinct indentation has formed in the floor, which has had to be repaired several times.

Leaving the gallery in Piazza della Scala, we will face another historical site that can be admired without spending money. The piazza is adorned with a statue of Leonardo da Vinci, and surrounded by the famous La Scala opera house. Although tickets for performances are expensive, few people know that on the day of the performance you can purchase cheap standing tickets (known as loggione) for a fraction of the normal price. For music lovers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear one of the world's top opera orchestras for the price of dinner at an average restaurant.

Nearby is the Palazzo Reale di Milano, the former seat of the city government, which today functions as an exhibition space. Although most exhibitions are paid for, the building regularly hosts free openings and cultural events, especially on the first Sunday of the month. The palace, whose history dates back to the 12th century, has witnessed many landmark events - it was here that Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself king of Italy in 1805. Be sure to take a look at the Sala delle Cariatidi, which retains traces of World War II bombing as a symbolic reminder of the atrocities of the conflict.

Each of these attractions offers something unique: The Duomo impresses with its grandeur and architectural details, the Galleria Victor Emmanuel II with its elegance and history of commerce, the Piazza della Scala with its cultural heritage, and the Palazzo Reale with its wealth of exhibitions. What's more, all of these places are in close proximity to each other, saving on transportation and visiting them in one walk. For thrifty travelers, this is the perfect solution - a few hours of fascinating exploration of Milan's historic center for practically free.

Leaving the strict city center, it's worth heading towards the imposing Castello Sforzesco - a powerful fortress that has guarded Milan for centuries. This monumental castle, built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza on the ruins of an earlier fortification, offers free admission to the courtyards and gardens. Walking through the vast courtyards, one can admire the Renaissance defensive architecture and imagine the life of the Milanese aristocracy. Few people know that Leonardo da Vinci himself worked on the decoration of the castle, designing the frescoes in the Sala delle Asse. According to local accounts, in the castle's basement there were secret tunnels leading to different parts of the city, allowing rulers to escape in case of a siege.

The castle hides several museums, which, although chargeable, offer discounts for young people and seniors. The most valuable exhibit is Michelangelo's unfinished sculpture 'Pietà Rondanini' - his last work, which he worked on literally until the last days of his life. The artist began work on the sculpture at the age of 89 and left it in a state that is now considered a precursor to modern art. For art lovers, this place is of priceless value, and an admission ticket should be considered a small investment in an unforgettable aesthetic experience.

Directly behind the castle stretches Parco Sempione, the largest park in the center of Milan, established in 1888. This sprawling 38-hectare green space offers a free respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park was designed in the English style, with irregular paths, a lake and bridges. On hot days, Milanese flock here to picnic and relax in the shade of the trees. An interesting fact is that under part of the park are the remains of the former arena, built on Napoleon's orders, which could accommodate 30,000 spectators. Today, all that remains of the arena are fragments of the foundations, which can be seen in the northern part of the park.

At the northern end of Parco Sempione rises the majestic Arco della Pace (Peace Arch), a monumental structure inspired by Roman triumphal arches. Its history is fascinating and full of twists and turns. Construction began in 1807 on Napoleon's orders as the Arco del Sempione (Sympone Arch) to commemorate his victories. However, after the fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the structure was transformed into a symbol of peace between European nations - hence the current name. The arch was not completed until 1838. Interestingly, the original quadriga (a sculpture depicting a chariot with horses) at the top of the arch was originally facing Paris to honor Napoleon. After his fall, the sculpture was turned in the opposite direction - a symbolic gesture of turning away from the French emperor.

It's worth knowing that the area around Arco della Pace is now one of Milan's most popular evening social spots. Every evening, especially on weekends, the surrounding bars and restaurants fill up with locals and tourists. This phenomenon is called 'aperitivo' - the Milanese custom of meeting for a drink and snacks before dinner. Many establishments offer aperitivo formulas at affordable prices, where you can enjoy a buffet of snacks for the price of a drink.

Comparing the three attractions, each offers a different experience: Castello Sforzesco takes you back to the days of Milan's Renaissance power, Parco Sempione provides contact with nature and relaxation, and Arco della Pace impresses with its monumental architecture and rich historical symbolism. In terms of cost, all three places can be visited virtually for free, making them ideal spots on the map of the frugal traveler. Parco Sempione is by far the best choice on hot days, while Castello Sforzesco offers more attractions in case of inclement weather thanks to its museums. The Arco della Pace looks best at sunset, when the golden rays highlight the details of the sculptures and add a magical touch to the monument.

Milan hides extraordinary sacred gems that delight not only believers, but all lovers of art and history. One such place is the UNESCO-listed church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This temple, inconspicuous from the outside, hides one of the greatest treasures of world painting - Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper'. The church itself can be visited free of charge, admiring its harmonious architecture combining Gothic and Renaissance. Admission to the refectory with Leonardo's fresco is charged and requires advance reservations, but even without seeing the famous painting, a visit here provides an unforgettable experience. A little-known fact: during World War II, although most of the monastery was destroyed by bombing, the wall with the 'Last Supper' miraculously survived. The monks, anticipating the danger, protected the fresco with sandbags and special scaffolding.

Few people know that Milan hides one of the most unusual and macabre attractions in Italy - the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa. This unassuming chapel, located near the Duomo, owes its name and fame to its unusual decoration - the walls are lined with human skulls and bones. The history of this place dates back to the 12th century, when the nearby hospital ran out of space in the cemetery and began to collect the remains of the dead in a separate room. Over time, the bones were arranged in geometric patterns, creating a macabre but fascinating decoration. According to local legend, on All Souls' Night, the souls of the dead, whose remains adorn the walls, leave the bones and dance in the chapel. It is said that one young girl who accidentally saw this dance died of fright the next day. Admission to the chapel is completely free, making it an ideal place for frugal seekers of unusual experiences.

Returning to the area around Piazza del Duomo, it's worth noting the less obvious details and stories. For example, did you know that beneath the cathedral square are the remains of ancient Milan from Roman times? You can see some of these ruins in the cathedral's basement for a small fee. It's a fascinating journey through the layers of the city's history - from Roman times, to the early Christian basilica of Santa Tecla, to the foundations of the current cathedral.

Milan also offers many free or low-cost cultural events, especially during the summer season. Keep an eye on local news for concerts in parks, outdoor exhibitions or festivals. Often reputable institutions, like the Palazzo Reale di Milano, hold open days or evenings with free admission. Palazzo Reale, the former seat of the city government, is today an exhibition center hosting prestigious exhibitions. The building itself is a testament to the city's turbulent history - parts of it were destroyed during the construction of the Duomo, and it later suffered from bombing in World War II. Inside, the impressive staterooms have been preserved, giving an idea of the palace's former splendor.

Comparing Milan's sacred attractions, each offers a different experience: Santa Maria delle Grazie is first and foremost a masterpiece of the Renaissance and a place associated with the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa surprises with its macabre decoration and makes you reflect on the passing of time, and the underground of the Duomo allows you to literally touch the oldest layers of the city's history. In terms of accessibility, San Bernardino alle Ossa is completely free, Santa Maria delle Grazie offers free admission to the church (paid only to the refectory with the 'Last Supper'), and the Duomo underground requires a small fee.

For frugal travelers, Milan offers plenty of opportunities to experience history and culture without straining the budget. The key to a successful visit is good planning - check the days and times of free admission to museums (often the first Sunday of the month), take advantage of city cards offering discounts, and simply walk around, discovering the charming corners of the city. Milan, although associated with luxury and fashion, has much more to offer - a layer of history that fascinates, inspires and remains in the memory long after you return from your trip.