Milan is considered by many to be the fashion capital of Europe and thus the world. It is also the transport hub for Italy with Italy鈥檚 largest international airport. It is also Italy鈥檚 hub for business, finance, commerce and media. It can be likened as the New York City of Italy because it too is a city that never sleeps. Milan is also the home to two of Italy鈥檚 world premier soccer teams. Although Milan is so big for so many reasons it lacks in tourism. This is due to the greater appeal of visiting more historical and world famous Italian cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence. Regardless your reason for taking time to tour Milan, you will not be disappointed with all this great city has to offer. A trip to could also be fun! So what should you do in ?
Day One, Milan Tour – Castello Sforzesco and Duomo
Castello Sforzesco. In our modern times, the Castello Sforzesco has been a place devoted to museums featuring antiquities, ancient paintings, instruments and sculptures. The building had been closed for years for reconstruction and restoration but reopened in 2005 for the public. One of the most important things to see is what is believed to be Michelangelo鈥檚 last work, the unfinished Rondanini Piet脿. The Castello also contains the Sala delle Asse, which is most widely attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. There are many works on display from the medieval 18th Century. The artists include Messina, Canaletto, Mantegna and Bellotto. Castello Sforzesco is also one of the if you’re not entering the museums. You can enter the courtyard of the castle without any fee.
Duomo. The Duomo of Milan was built by Galeazzo Visconti III during the 15th and 16th Centuries. Since the time it was built to now, it attracts large crowds of tourists and nationals alike. This Dome is fascinating and impressive beyond many of Italy鈥檚 other Dome structures. It is the second largest dome structure in the world, next to Rome鈥檚 Duomo. The dome can hold up to 40,000 people but very rarely will see that many people in a year. The Dome acts as a bubble to outside world, filled with noise, business and commotion. Inside you will find a world of peace and quiet, set apart as a place of contemplation.
The building is lined with marble spires and over 2,000 marble statues. One area you鈥檒l want to see is the apse. It is three bodies of water right outside the stained glass windows. It is a magnificent sight to see. This dome also provides you with walking upstairs to see the city from its rooftop. Unfortunately on a stagnate day, the pollution will limit visibility of the city.
Day Two, Milan Tour – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Pinacoteca di Brera
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Uniquely, this was the planet’s first indoor shopping malls dating back to the late 1800鈥檚. This interesting experience is used for many different reasons, not just shopping. Unlike American shopping malls, this gallery is the heart of the city. It serves as the central point between the Duomo and La Scala. It is the place to be 鈥� everyone finds great enjoyment and browsing through the stores and participating in the Gallery鈥檚 great history. It is fascinating to step foot in the world鈥檚 first indoor mall. It鈥檚 covered with a domed, glass ceiling to invite the outside, in. Through the years it has been repeatedly renovated and revitalized. In this mall you will find some Italy鈥檚 greatest fashion known around the world. A few Italian designers have their anchor stores in this mall. They include: Prada, Gucci, Tod鈥檚 and Louis Vitton. Even if you鈥檙e not into fashion, just the experience of visiting these home stores is worth it.
While visiting this outrageous mall, take time to visit one of its famous and oldest retailers, Caffe鈥� Zucca. This caf茅 has been welcoming shoppers since 1867 and still maintains its origanl counters, mosaics and iron fixtures. Take some time to enjoy its excellent coffee and pastries and take a moment to sit down and watch the people go about their business.
Pinacoteca Di Brera. A must see art gallery. The collection gathered within its walls is priceless. Room 1 showcases 20th Century sculpture and painting and from there your聽journey will begin backwards in time. Every room is a step further back into the centuries. All 40 rooms will surprise and entertain your artistic mind. The most holy and stoic room is Room 6 which houses the Cristo Morto (Dead Christ). This painting by Mantegna is a graphic detail of Christ dead on the cross. The painting is very precise in the depiction of Christ鈥檚 wounds, his beard and even his face. This room is very solemn and it聽is not recommended for young viewers.
Another highlight of the tour is Room 24 which houses two masterpieces. The first is Sposalizio della Vergine, which depicts Mary and Joseph marriage where Joseph is holding a rod that has begun to bud. The second masterpiece is La Vergine con il Bambino e Santi. This was an altarpiece showing Federico da Montefeltro knelling, in armor, before the Virgin Mary. This painting has a great theme of mercy and was directly connected to the events of the author鈥檚 life. I highly recommend buying a museum tour map for this stop 鈥� it will be worth the money.
Milan is very compact, and it’s one of the most in Europe, much like Florence, and has a very efficient subway system. Buses and trams will also provide great transportation as well if the subway doesn鈥檛 go by your destination. Like Manhattan, driving is crazy and there is no where to park in the city center so defiantly takes mass transit. If you can find a hotel that is either in the city center or close by, do it because there isn鈥檛 much you can鈥檛 walk to once you鈥檙e in the center. You can find the tourist office at Via Marconi 1, near Piazza Duomo. Also, ask your front desk person for any free local publications to get a good handle on the events taking place during your stay in Milan. One of the most popular magazines to pick up is called 鈥淗ello Milano鈥�. If you can’t find it, ask for it. Almost every vendor will have one (plus it’s also online). Good luck and God speed.
By Joey Papa
