Milan |
| Tuesday, 14 April 2009 00:00 |
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The Milan Cathedral was equally carefully designed, the second biggest church in Italy and the fourth biggest worldwide. The building is almost 150 yards long and up to 102 yards wide, and its five aisles leave room for 40,000 worshippers. Construction for the Gothic cathedral was started in the 14th century and was not completed until 1858. The large square in front of it allows you to take great pictures. The terrazzo on top offers a magnificent view over the city and can be reached via steps or an elevator. Most of the architectural pearls of Milan are within a 2 mile radius around the cathedral. To properly explore them you should take a few days to walk around. On the north-western edge of the Old Town the Castello Sforzesco sits on the Piazza Castello. The city castle was built around 1450 and these days hosts the Meuseo d’Arte Antica, and the archaeological museum. The most famous exhibition piece is the Pietà Rondanini sculpture, an uncompleted work of art by Michelangelo. The adjoined English Park offers green grass perfectly suited for a nap in the sun. Another highlight on your tour through the Old Town is Santa Maria della Grazie, a Gothic church that contains one of mankind’s greatest treasures: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Needless to say the Santa Maria della Grazie has a firm place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hidden behind a row of perfectly preserved columns you will find the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. Another visit-worthy place of worship is San Ambrogio, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Lombardy. If the Last Supper has stimulated your appetite for more art, try the Pinacoteca di Brera, the best art gallery in town. Another great museum is the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, a collection of historic houses in downtown Milan, giving a great impression of genuine Italian Renaissance life. No visitor to Milan should spare a visit to the La Scala opera, so try to get tickets for whatever they are showing. All productions are brilliant without exception, and an employment at this theater is the highest honor for Italian (and other) artists. The best time to go to Milan would be spring or fall, since temperatures can rise to unbearable levels in summer. However, if July or August are the only months during which you can travel, do not worry too much, the countless Lombardy lakes are just a quick ride away from the city and make for a refreshing change of pace.
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