BRERA

Description

Essentials about Brera in brief

The Brera district, located in the north of the city center, is one of the most popular areas of Milan. And for good reason, because here you can eat delicious food, shop well, enjoy a lot of art in the Pinacoteca Brera and walk in the greenery of the Botanical Garden.

The location of Brera

The Brera district extends around the homonymous Via Brera. Brera is roughly bounded by Via Pontaccio (to the north), Via Borgonuovo (to the east), Via Monte di Pietà (to the south) and Via Mercato (to the west). The name “Brera” comes from the Longobard word “braida”, which denoted a field or meadow near the city. In the Middle Ages, the area of the neighborhood was located between the ancient Roman and medieval city walls.

The sights of Brera

The main attraction of Brera is Palazzo Brera, which houses both the Brera Pinacoteca and the Academy of Fine Arts (it. “Accademia di Belle Arti”). Another highlight of the district is the 18th century Botanical Garden (it. “Orto Botanico di Brera”), which is a bit hidden. In general, Brera is an architecturally beautiful neighborhood due to its multitude of historic palaces. Also worth seeing is the beautiful Piazza del Carmine with the church of Santa Maria del Carmine.

Eating and drinking in Brera

However, most people are drawn to Brera because of the incomparable charm of the neighborhood. Throughout its history, Brera has been a favorite neighborhood of artists, intellectuals and literati. They would meet in the area’s many bars and literary cafes to philosophize over a drink. Today, Brera is still one of the hotspots of Milan’s gastronomic scene. From rustic pizzerias to Michelin-starred restaurants, from quaint beer bars to stylish cocktail bars, Brera’s gastronomic offerings are wide-ranging.

Shopping in Brera

In addition, Milanese people and tourists also love to come to Brera for shopping. In the streets and alleys of the district there are particularly many art galleries and antique stores. In addition, every third Sunday of the month there is a flea market in Via Fipori Chiari.