Milan
Although every major city in Italy offers a large number of must-see attractions, there is no other place in the country, which thus combines antiquity and modernity like Milan. The city is not only the former capital of the Western Roman Empire and today's fashion capital. In Milan you will find a unique collection of world art, fashion, stunning architecture and numerous historical artifacts, which will show you how Italy's past affects the present. Today, Milan is the second most populous city in Italy, center of business and industry, a must-see destination for fashion and shopping lovers. In this article we will tell you about some of the most important sights in Milan, but the list is by no means exhaustive.
In Italy, the term Duomo is used for the most important and often largest church in a city, and the Milan Duomo most eloquently shows this.. The giant Gothic cathedral is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. It's long 157 meters and is wide 92 m, as it can accommodate 40 000 souls. Construction of the cathedral began in 14 century, but the facade was completed only at the beginning of 19 in. in the time of Napoleon.
Milan Cathedral is impressive in all respects. They are located on the roof 135 exquisite stone blades, and the facade is decorated with 2245 marble statues. The interior contrasts with its dark marble cladding and impresses with 52 giant columns. Stained glass windows, most of which from 15-16 century, are also among the largest in the world. You will see large paintings on the walls, depicting various biblical scenes. The relics of various saints are displayed in glass coffins for worship. One of the most valuable items, stored in the cathedral, is a nail from the crucifixion of Christ, which is located in the dome behind the altar. It is shown to the public only once a year, next Saturday to 14 September.
The remarkable church was built over five centuries next to the remains of two older churches, which can still be seen today in the archeological level below the square. One of the favorite places of tourists, however, is the roof terrace, almost as big as the whole roof. The view of the metropolis is fascinating, and even more fascinating is to see the thousands of sculptures on the roof up close.
Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is one of the most charming places in Milan. The covered shopping center connects two of the most key places in the city - Piazza del Duomo and Scala in Milan.. The building is in the shape of a Latin cross, covered with domes of glass and iron. Under the domes you will find shops of some of the world's most luxurious fashion brands such as Prada, Gucci и Louis Vuitton. The gallery is everyone's favorite place, who want to eat in a refined atmosphere. It houses some of Milan's oldest restaurants, like Café Biffi, found in 1867 year. The curious thing is, that there you can even find fast food restaurants from world chains.
Curious: under the central dome you will find a mosaic with the coat of arms of the Savoy dynasty, as well as various animals, which represent the most important cities of Italy. According to tradition, visitors will be very lucky, if they step with their right foot on the bull and turn on 360 degrees with eyes closed. If you step on the bull of 31 December, you will be lucky all next year.
One of the most famous paintings in the world can be seen in Milan - "The Last Supper". The painting is located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, founded in 1463 r. The church itself is not one of the most remarkable, but the Last Supper attracts millions of visitors each year.
The original picture was made between 1495 and 1497 year. The picture is huge - 640×880 cm. And its creation is shrouded in curious legends and stories. The story tells, that Leonardo da Vinci worked on the subject for a long time and made numerous sketches, before he started painting. Witnesses to the creation of the Last Supper tell, that the artist behaved extremely strangely, while working on the painting. for example, he used to start painting at dawn and didn't even stop for lunch. Other times he just wandered the streets, looking for people, to inspire him. Sometimes he just stared at his work, without moving. Another interesting fact is, that Da Vinci did not receive remuneration for his work, though devoted 3 years of his life in the picture, nor did he give signs, that he wants to be paid.
The Last Supper is remarkable for that, that recreates one of the most significant moments of the dinner, namely the moment, when Christ announces, that one of his apostles would betray him. The picture is extremely impressive and realistic and depicts the amazement, the horror and surprise of all 12 apostles.
To visit the Last Supper, it is important to buy your tickets in advance.
Pinakoteka "Brera" (Brera 's picture gallery) preserves one of the most precious collections of works of art in Italy, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio. The gallery is housed in palace buildings, built in 16 and 17 century. The complex was once a church and monastery, and later turned into a Jesuit college and cultural center with a library and an astronomical observatory. Through 1773 r. The Duchess of Austria Maria Theresa opens an Academy of Fine Arts on the site. From 1882 r. the gallery is separated from the academy and since then the collection has been growing every year. The gallery has 38 halls, as the exhibits are arranged in chronological order, as well as according to the school, to which they belong.
Teatro alla Scalla, or just La Scala, is probably one of the most famous and prestigious opera houses in the world. The exterior of the building is modest, but there are some of the highest quality opera performances in the world.
The building was built in 1776 r. on the site of an old church, bearing the name of Santa Maria ala Scala, hence the name Teatro alla Scala. It was severely damaged in bombings in 1943 g., but has been restored 3 years later. Between 2002 is 2004 r. also undergoing renovation.
The premieres of many world-famous operas were in La Scala - as "Othello", Verdi's Nabucco, "Madame Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini and others.
In the opera house you can also visit its museum, which stores paintings, sculptures and other objects from the history of opera and theater. The visit also includes a walk in the large lobby and lodges, in which the most important guests are accommodated. The huge hall is covered with red velvet, and the stage is lit by a huge chandelier from Bohemian Crystal with 383 bulbs.
Between the Opera House and the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is Piazza della Scala - a lively square with a statue of Leonardo da Vinci.
Sforza Castle was built in 15 century by the Duke of Milan Francesco I Sforza (1401–1466) on the ruins of an older fortress. Today, the remarkable building houses a rich museum center. In the castle you can see several museums. Among them is a museum of ancient art, the art collection of the castle and its inhabitants, museum of musical instruments, Egyptian Museum, archeological museum, etc.. Even if you do not plan a tour of the museums, you can walk around the central courtyard of the castle, which is open for visits and entry is free.
Although it sounds like a gloomy place to visit, The Cimitero Monumentale is a curious open-air museum with a large number of tombs and an artistic spirit. The place is famous for its beautifully decorated tombs and mausoleums, considered even works of art. The cemetery was established in 1866 as a union of several scattered smaller cemeteries in the area. It is located on an area of 250 000 sq. m. and on its territory you can see a large number of Italian sculptures, Greek temples, obelisks, etc.. You will surely notice the "Hall of Fame" sign., which will take you to the tombs of famous Italian architects, athletes, actors, musicians, etc..
The areas around the former canals, connected Milan by water with the sea, today they are a lively area with cafes, restaurants and nightclubs and a favorite place of young people in the evening. During the day in the Navilio area you can visit shops and workshops of local craftsmen. In the warm seasons, various festivals and cultural events are held here.
There is hardly anyone, who has not heard of people going shopping in Milan. For fashion lovers, this is almost a religion. The most popular place for fashion purchases from world brands is the "Golden Quadrangle" north of the Duomo., formed by the streets of Montenapoleone, Spiga affairs, Borgospeso and Sant Andrea. This is the place, where all the fashion houses have shops. In Victor Emmanuel II Gallery you will also find boutiques of world brands. Big sales in Milan are twice a year - in January-February and July-August.
And if you love outlets and your budget is not like shiny boutiques, Milan is also famous for its outlets. Many of them are in the surrounding towns, but you can often find organized bus transport to them, who takes you in the morning from Milan and returns you in the evening. Some of the most famous are McArthur Glen Shopping City in Seravale Skrivia, Fidenza Village in the city of Fidenza, Vicolungo The Style Outlets in Vicolungo. In the city itself you can visit the City Outlet, in which stores have many sports brands.
If you don't like shopping, and the pleasant weather and the quiet sightseeing, the most pleasant seasons are April-May and September-October. In summer it is hot and full of tourists, and in winter it just isn't that comfortable for walks. If you plan to go in February, when there are many fashion events, it is better to reserve accommodation in advance. In Milan, during the winter months, it often rains and there is fog, so don't go without an umbrella.
This article was written with the assistance of BulTravel and Agent Express EOOD.
Author : Ivan Rashkov
Here you can check and find the best prices for travel services:
- Flights and Airline tickets
- Hotels and Accommodation
- Holidays package
- Activities and Tours
- Cars Rental
- Transfers to and from the hotel
- Tourist transport - Ferries, Trains and Buses