Like all good Italians, I adore discovering new chicche wherever I go. Chicche — hidden gems, goodies, little treats — are our favorite places to restore our eyes and soak in inspiration. When a cappuccino or a glass of wine won’t do, we flock to cultural attractions for our feel-good fix. In a city like Milan, there are many hidden gems to explore. Here are my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots where you can enjoy art and culture, away from the crowds.

Tucked away from the big city bustle, Villa Necchi Campiglio is a countryside mansion in the center of Milan. Created by Piero Portaluppi between 1932 and 1935, Villa Necchi Campiglio was once the home of Milan’s bourgeois families. Today it is a museum with an outstanding art collection and is managed by Italy’s FAI, the National Trust of Italy.