Italy Travel Guide
Milan
The industrial powerhouse of the country, Milan is where much of the countries political and economic power resides. Charlemagne, Napoleon and Mussolini are amongst the civic planners who left their mark on the city.
The nature of the city is what one might expect of a more northerly European city. Many Milanese would perhaps consider that they have more in common with their neighbours on the other side of the Alps than with their Southern compatriots. Distance wise it is nearer to Munich than it is to Naples.
One benefit of the work ethic of the locality is that it is a major centre of the world fashion industry.
Despite the wider industrial dimension to the city and its environs, there is much for the traveller to enjoy.
What to see and where to go
Most new visitors to the city make a beeline for the Duomo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral. It was begun by the powerful Visconti dynasty in 1386 but was not completed until the start of the 19th century. The vast marble structure was as much a symbol of the power of the Visconti's as it was of their religious zeal.
Inside the cathedral, there is much to see. There are many religious relics, a huge sundial inlaid near the entrance and a rather grim statue of Saint Bartholomew that shows the Saint with his skin stripped off and thrown over one shoulder. Urgggh.
Nearby is the Museo del Duomo.
Opened in 1778 and famed the world over is the La Scala opera house. This stands at the pinnacle of cultural life in Milan and is very costly to get into. However it does attract the great names in world opera and if you are a true fan, well, its only money.
The imposing Castello Sforzesco is the other large building on the Milan skyline. It was begun by the Visconti's but largely rebuilt and completed by their successors the Sforzas. Under the Sforza regime, the court of Milan - held at the castello - blossomed to become famed as one of the wealthiest, powerful but cultured, courts in Renaissance Europe. Leonardo da Vinci was at one stage the court 'artist' although his war machines were designed with a view to aiding the Sforza's in their battles against the other city-states. The Castle is home to a number of small museums the best of which is the Pinacoteca.
For Leonardo aficionados there is the 'Last Supper' at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazia. This painting retains much of its power despite bombings, cock eyed restoration and use as a target by Napoloeonic soldiers. Also there is the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnica which is devoted largely to Leonardos 'scientific' works and inventions.
For the fashion conscious or the plain curious there is the Quadrilatero d'Oro. This is the part of the city where the major design houses, boutiques and galleries are to be found. The Italians and particularly the Milanese are very mindful of their appearance, the Quadrilatero d'Oro is a veritable hymn to this fact. If its designer labels you want, then this is the place for you.
The premier art gallery in Milan is the Pinacoteca di Brera. Devoted to mainly Italian artists, the heart of the gallery lies in work from the Renaissance.
If you seek solace from the hurly burly of Milan then the Italian lakes may be just the place. Milan is within 30 or 40 miles of Como, Lugano and Maggiore. Garda, reckoned to be the cleanest of the lakes is a little further away but still achievable as a day trip.
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