Milan En Vogue
Written by Andy Hayes
If you’re thinking about trying to get away for the winter and prices are too high / availability too scarce for the Mediterranean coast, how about Milan? Although it can be chilly, it’s certainly better than bleak skies of northern Europe.
Most people when they think of Milan think of fashion or football. But the city has some real treats that I consider some of the best in Italy:
The Last Supper. Yes, it’s a fading watercolour painting on a cracking wall inside a church. But this picture has such a powerful history. Did you know that the small church it is in was bombed during the war and only this wall remained intact? You get 15 minutes in the near-hermetically-sealed room, but it will be some of the most memorable 15 minutes of your life.
Michaelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini: I had a hard time finding this, but it was certainly worth looking for. Back in a corner in the Castello Sforzesco, this is one of Michaelangelo’s unfinished pieces. You might think ‘why see something not finished’, but to see the face of a human melt into the hard stone is pretty incredible. It will bring you a new understanding of how this master worked.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele: While I’m admittedly not into fashion and couture shopping, this glistening shopping arcade is a stunning example of architecture. Although I find it humorous to find upscale shops in an upscale setting across from a McDonald’s.
Andy, I’m not a great fan of Milan, partly because I’m not into fashion shopping, I much prefer Bergamo. It’s easy to reach Bergamo as it’s a Ryanair hub.
What’s there to do in Bergamo?
Andy, you can read about Bergamo in my guide:
http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/italy/bergamo
Karen, I’m not a big fan of Milan either. I think Turin is way more beautiful and interesting, not only for its history and its cultural life, but also for shopping… Well, if like me you’re not interested in luxury fashion brands, but looking for fun and affordable fashion items.
I’ve never been in Bergamo, but I’ve been told it’s a city which is really worth a visit. So, it could be on my next travel agenda.
Right – it is unanimous. Shall we book a group EALC holiday? :)
Ok, so if I was given free reign to choose wherever I wanted to go in Italy, Milan would not be my first choice either!
However in the spirit of sharing for those reading this who do actually plan to visit Milan, which is still a lovely destination, the Piazza del Duomo is atmospheric and surrounded by cafés and trattorias; check out the great view from the top of the Duomo. And definitely book tickets at La Scala – it’s one of the world’s most incredible music venues.
There are some great hotels (eg the Chedi Milan, one of our favourites); and hey, it is one the world’s greatest fashion capitals! Here’s our review of the Chedi: http://blog.mrandmrssmith.com/2008/12/chedi-milan-hotel-review/
Cheers Lucy – I wouldn’t have recommended my hotel, so will take you up on your suggestion.