Ancient history brought to life

Word to the wise: Combine the Museo Archeologico with a visit to the Antifeatro Romano, remnants of the perimeter and seating of a first century amphitheatre on Via de Amicis.

With light-filled galleries on two floors, Milan’s top-class archeological museum is thoughtfully laid out and clearly labelled. It is divided into four categories: Ancient Milan, Greek, Etruscan and Early Middle Ages, all illustrated with artefacts found in and around Milan. Background information on Mediolanum – the Roman name for Milan – is posted in all the galleries in several languages. There are also often overlooked displays of Indian art and ancient music.

The museum is actually built into the remains of the third century walls that fortified the Roman city, and a remarkably complete section is screened off in the basement. At the back of the museum, in the pretty courtyard, there are further remains of an imposing aristocratic villa. Glorious finds exhibited include the almost-transparent Trivulzio Diatreta Cup, made in the fourth century, sections of patterned mosaic flooring and busts of emperors and gods.