Cinque Vie: Milan's Ancient Heart

Discover Milan's oldest district: Cinque Vie, where Roman history meets modern art and design near the Duomo.

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Cinque Vie

Cinque Vie, Milan's oldest district near the Duomo, is a star-shaped confluence of five streets, dating back to Roman times. Today, it's a radical-chic area brimming with galleries, artisan shops, and designer boutiques. Explore its rich history, art, and culture away from the bustling city traffic.

A brief summary to Cinque Vie

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, IT

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the district's charming cobblestone streets.
Visit during Milan Design Week to experience special events and gallery openings.
Explore the area on foot or by bike to best appreciate its hidden gems and artisan shops.
Check out the 5VIE ART+DESIGN website for information on current events and exhibitions.

Getting There

Walking

Cinque Vie is located a short walk from the Duomo. From Piazza del Duomo, walk south on Via Torino for about 10 minutes. The Cinque Vie district will be on your left, characterized by its narrow, winding streets.
Public Transport

The closest metro station to Cinque Vie is Duomo (M1, M3). From the station, follow the signs towards Via Torino and walk for approximately 10 minutes. A single metro ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Milan. A short taxi ride from Milano Centrale Station to Cinque Vie will cost approximately €10-€13 and take 6 minutes. Note that traffic can affect the final fare.

Discover more about Cinque Vie

Cinque Vie, meaning 'Five Streets,' is the oldest district in Milan, a stone's throw from the Duomo. Its name derives from the confluence of Via Santa Marta, Via del Bollo, Via Bocchetto, Via Santa Maria Fulcorina, and Via Santa Maria Podone. This area has been a dynamic hub for commerce since Roman and Medieval times. The Roman forum was built here, south of the pre-existing Celtic village, Medhelan. Today, Cinque Vie maintains its commercial relevance with a high concentration of galleries, artisan and antique shops, ateliers, artist studios, and contemporary design stores. This district has a radical-chic vibe, ideal for peaceful walks away from the city's thoroughfares. Must-see attractions include the Archaeological Museum, located in a former medieval convent with Roman ruins. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus and Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit. The 5VIE ART+DESIGN project promotes the cultural heritage of this historic district by revitalizing local businesses, promoting new activities, and highlighting lesser-known spots. They organize evening events with gallery and atelier openings, especially during Milan Design Week.