... but with no snow. Such were the last days for December, when I headed towards the capital of the Lombardy region. We could also call the city the Italian fashion capital, for it is a true blooming green house of fashion. Not to forget about the profitable industry, high technology and numerous artistic creations that go along with it.
The mighty fort
My exploration began with the castle Castello Sforzesco. This mighty castle with finishing touches from the 15th century is at the sight of the old Viscount’s castle that burned down. Today the mighty walls of the castle host two art galleries. The lovers of Michelangelo will be happy to hear that Museo d'Arte Antica features his latest work - Pieta Rondanini. The other gallery, Pinacoteca, features the frescos with Boccaccio’s Decameron and all fans of Giovanni Bellini will also get your money’s worth. But even if you’re not an art lover, you won’t get bored. There’s a very beautiful and nice park behind the castle, that was proudly green – instead of white – at the time of my visit.
The white marble fairy tale
When outside the mighty castle turn for 90 degrees and you’ll see the path, which will take you past the shops to the square where you’ll see the famous marble Duomo – the largest gothic church in Italy and third largest church of Europe – just a ten minute walk away. A forest of pointy columns and towers, sharp windows, complex marble decorations inside will thrill you. On the other hand the dark inside of most of the church makes it feel quite empty. But the climb to the roof of the church is all the more interesting. For a few euros you’ll climb the overview pad and see the mystical world of steeples, towers and on a clear sunny day you can even see all the way to the famous Matterhorn in the distant Alps in the back.
Ye, who enter Milan, leave your belly outside
West of the marble fairy tale there is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It’s made of two wings that form a Latin cross with high priced shops. If you’re interested to see, how much money people are prepared to spend for the most expensive things in the world, welcome to the richest street on Earth. With head spinning prices it’s better to watch your pulse. The saying goes – Ye, who enter Vienna, leave your belly outside; but this also goes for Milan. It’s better to adore the mosaic on the floor or the glass dome with a golden square where the wings meet. And when you exit the street of glamour and gold, you’ll stand in front of the world famous Teatro alla Scala, with its 3.600 seats in one of the best acoustic halls in the world. The opera still hosts the portraits of famous composers and singers and keeps their names alive. Following the Manzoni street you’ll enter one of the most modern and crazy parts of town. Shop girls in elegant dresses and high heels, two security guards at the door and sport carts parked in front – it all fits the budget of the clients who shop in this street and the service they expect.
Try the Milan panettone!
Italians are known as lovers of good food. Once in Milan you should try one of their gastronomical specialities, among which are polenta, cuts and risotto alla Milanese, with herbs. But for desert you should try the panettone, the famous Milan cake with fruit and raisins. It’s a Christmas speciality known throughout Italy, but it originates in Milan. It reminds me of Koroški šarkelj, but it’s best with mascarpone cheese.
Leonardo’s last supper
If you have time to spare, and energy, Milan offers you a lot of beautiful things. Near the opera is the Museo Poldi Pezzoni with a collection of great antiques and paintings. I suggest you visit the golden salon, which features the works of Rafael, Botticelli, Bellini ... One of the best Italian gallery, Pinacoteca di Brera, is a ten minutes’ walk away from Castello Sforzesco. You should really have time for it and spend a few hours there, it really has a lot to offer. Among other things, they have the Leonardo’s Last Supper, painted on the side of the refectory in the Muilano church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. When I was visiting it was not on display due to restoration, but I’ve seen it a few years earlier when I first visited Milan. If you have the time, I really recommend you to visit it.
