This ancient 14th century Jesuit convent was turned into a prestigious Art Academy in 1776. Now comparable to the British Museum, the Louvre or the Prado, Brera Art Gallery hosts some of the best known paintings in the world. A few examples? The Dead Christ by Andrea Mantegna, Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio, Holy Conversation by Piero della Francesca, The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Madonna and Child by Giovanni Bellini and The Kiss by Francesco Hayez.

It’s better to visit it during unconventional hours, like lunch time, in order to avoid elementary school students or Japanese tourists battalions.