From
the enchanted rooftop world of the Duomo, you can see the
graceful porticoes and ornate friezes of medieval Milan
fade into the sharp lines and angles of the modern city. It's
a clear reminder that Milan isn't just a relic from the past.
This magical yet understated city is bursting with a perfect
mix of history, polished style and urban energy.
Italy's most prosperous and populous city, Milan doesn't draw
the tourists that tend to overrun Rome, Florence and Venice.
But its streets are lined with famous sites, from the beloved
opera house, La Scala, and the spired Gothic splendor of the
Duomo to the beaux-arts filigree Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Its museums and galleries hold treasures beyond your wildest
dreams, from Da Vinci's Last Supper to Michelangelo's Rondanini
Pieta, and its lush green parks and showy gardens seem to
beckon your presence day and night. And even when willowy
models wearing the latest couture confections aren't strutting
down the catwalk, Milan is a powerhouse of smart, hipster-haunted
shops and trendy restaurants filled with dressed-to-kill locals,
right in the heart of its ancient past. |
Duomo
Watched over by the Madonnina, the cathedral's high rose
marble spires represent the city's most famous artistic
and religious monument. The dimensions of Christendom's
third biggest church are still awe-inspiring at 108m high
(to the tip of the tallest spire) and 158m long. A range
of architectural styles feature: doorways are 17th century,
the central balcony from the late 18th and the three main
upper windows early 19th-century pieces by Carlo Amati.
The cathedral's vast interior overwhelms: its impressive
pillars, vaults and streamlined arches enhanced by light
that floods through the splendid stained-glass windows and
the wonderful statuary surrounding the naves.
Castello Sforzesco
Built in 1368 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to defend the city
from attack, the castle was enlarged by military architect
Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian
Galeazzo. Destroyed in 1447, it was rebuilt between 1450
and 1500 and enlarged under Francesco Sforza's rule. In
1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained
its military function and, after successive transformations,
eventually fell into ruin. Rebuilt in the late 1900s, from
1893 onwards the castle gradually became home to various
cultural institutions and art collections and remains so
today. Guided tours are available.
Teatro alla Scala
"Conceived in 1776 as a fitting replacement for the
Teatro Ducale (sadly destroyed by fire), the famous La Scala
theatre has since become one of opera's legendary venues.
Home to the prestigious La Scala di Milano' opera company,
it remains one of the city's liveliest cultural venues.
Check the web site for maps and directions."
S. Maria delle Grazie
Commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte
Solari, this building was intended as a mausoleum for the
Sforzesco dynasty, in which the remains of the duke and
his wife, Beatrice d'Este, as well as others connected with
the family, were to be laid to rest. The adjoining Dominican
convent's cloister and sacristy were later renovated by
Bramante. The refectory walls are home to Leonardo da Vinci's
Last Supper. Bramante's façade is of particular interest
as is the gallery's terracotta ornamentation, which became
one of the dominant motifs in northern Italian Renaissance
architecture.
Montenapoleone
Frequented by the world's jet set and well-to-do Milanese,
Milan's fashionable shopping district is famed for its wealth
of luxury boutiques. Top names in haute couture and ready-to-wear—from
Versace and Dolce & Gabbana to Louis Vuitton and Valentino—have
shops here, while the number of designer shoe shops has
exploded in the past couple of years. Some of the world's
finest jewelers, including Cartier, Bulgari, Pomellato and
Tiffany's have stores here too; even if you're not buying,
the stunning window displays are always worth a look.
Festa Della Nivola (La)
If the sight of an archbishop flying through the air in
Milan's magnificent Duomo sounds bizarre, then you won't
want to miss the surreal spectacle that is La Festa della
Nivola. The floating archbishop's goal is to recover a nail
that is purportedly from Jesus' cross, which sits inside
a suspended cross under the gothic ceiling. The sight of
a holy man ascending in a rickety basket, adorned with clouds
in this huge space is well worth witnessing.
L'Artigiano in Fiera
"This massive international craft fair will have every
part of your imagination positively reeling with the cool
myriad of hand made creations on offer. Over 2,600 craftspeople
and artisans from Italy, as well as 81 other countries,
will be displaying their unique wares, which range from
ceramics and textiles to paper and clothing. Nothing for
sale here is mass-produced.
Expo dei Sapori
Italy is famous for its wines, cheeses, breads and pasta,
and this expo celebrates that reputation in spades. Just
looking at the list of exhibitors for this five-day exposition
of delicacies will make your mouth water. Get excited over
sampling fresh traditional jams, cheeses, condiments, teas,
sausages, pickles, wines and much more. You'll literally
get a taste for what Italy is all about.
Annual Christmas Market
Tig into steaming sweet pancakes and tempting fresh doughnuts
at this fun annual Christmas market that takes place on
grounds of the stunning Piazza of the Basilica di san Ambrogio.
Along with hot traditional Italian treats, you'll also find
handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, religious paraphernalia,
and other seasonal goodies and gifts. A nativity scene,
lighted Christmas trees, and street performers make the
environment even more festive.
ATP Milan Indoors
"Played on the fairly rare indoor carpet surface at
the IOL Stadium, Milan's ATP tour event attracts an impressive
lineup for nearly USD400,000 in prize money. Tickets are
available for the entire tournament, or on a daily basis;
prices are set early in the winter. Check website
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