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Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, if not the world. Many plan trips to Milan just to indulge in the many shops that sell high quality leather purses, shoes and clothing.
There is always something for everyone and I have found their clothing and leather goods to be very reasonable and of high quality. For women, even in the local grocery store, one can pick up non-run hosiery that will last for months!
The Duomo is located at the center of the city. The Duomo is a gorgeous gothic cathedral that took centuries to complete. Construction began in 1386 with final finishes in 1965! It is of gothic design with 135 spires mounted on the cathedral rooftop and many beautiful sculptures embedded into its façade, 3159 to be exact! Be sure to grab a pamphlet as you begin to explore the interior, as it is rather dark and difficult to see some of the most amazing sculptures!
Next to the Duomo is the large Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s main square, where one can visit the Royal Palace, as well as stroll down the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
This beautiful shopping mall was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in the 1870’s and is famous for the elegant glass ceiling and artwork.
Also near the Galleria is the world renowned La Scala Opera house and museum.
Recently the music director of the Austrian Salzburg Festival, Alexander Pereira, was chosen as director and manager of La Scala.
When visiting Milano, one cannot miss a visit to see Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Last Supper. This famous painting covers the wall of the refectory next to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. For Dan Brown enthusiasts, The Da Vinci Code, though most of the trail is in Paris, The Last Supper” supposedly” depicts Mary Magdalene in the painting. Unfortunately the quality of the masterpiece has deteriorated over the years.
Leonardo was experimenting with his fresco technique and within six years of completion it began to deteriorate. A 21-year restoration project was completed in 1999 which tried to clean up 500 years of crude restorations. It is a little faint but a magnificent masterpiece worth seeing.
July 7, 2023
