CITY OF MILAN AND ITS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
DUOMO
The Duomo, which traditionally symbolizes the city of Milan, is the most extraordinary example of Italian late Gothic art. It ranks third in terms of dimension after the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Rome and Seville's Cathedral. Located in the very heart of the city it represents both the core of the city and the unavoidable destination of countless visitors from Italy and abroad.
The construction of the Duomo began in 1386 promoted by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, lord of Milan, and continued for centuries.
The Duomo is entirely covered from its base with pinkish-white marble. In the facade five large portals are inserted carrying high-relieves illustrating sacred and historical scenes such as "The life of Sant'Ambrogio". Wide slabs of marble make up the roof of the Duomo, which can be reached by a steep external staircase, consisting of 919 steps, carved between the left side and the transept. The effort of "climbing" the Duomo is highly rewarded by the magnificent view of the surrounding plain up to the Alps; should the weather be ungenerous it will still be possible to enjoy the vision of the "Madonnina”, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the 135 lace-like spires and the many statues which decorate the roof.
On entering the majestic interior of the cross-shaped cathedral, the sight is captured by the polychrome stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the saints. The eight naves of the Cathedral are divided by 52 gigantic pillars topped by a series of niches with statues.
LA SCALA THEATRE
Its history, acoustic and the outstanding level of its performances have made La Scala Theatre one of the best known temples of lyric and classical music in the world. The theatre was founded under the auspices of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria to replace the Royal Ducal Theatre, destroyed by fire in 1776.
On 7 December 2004 the season was opened at La Scala after a three-year break due to complex restoration and renovation works. During the restoration the artistic activity took place in the Arcimboldi Theatre. The most evident aspects of the works undergone are the modernization of the service mechanical plants and the new stage tower now sitting at the back of the building.
The 7 December première is one of the most awaited cultural and social events in the year and gathers the most prominent personalities from the fields of culture, politics, industry worldwide as well as the most popular TV and cinema stars. La Scala Theatre is home to the best opera singers and conductors and offers a broad repertoire, which attracts thousand of visitors and opera buffs.
IL CASTELLO SFORZESCO
Built for purely defensive reasons by Galeazzo II Visconti around 1368, the Castello lost its initial destination as a fortress to assume that of a kingly dwelling but only to resume its original role of efficient fortress in 1450 under Francesco Sforza, the new Lord of Milan. His successor, Ludovico il Moro, turned the Castello into one of the most sumptuous courts of Renaissance Italy and a point of attraction of the most talented artists of the time.
With the sixteenth century began the slow and fatal decline of this massive building. In the eighteenth century the Castello was taken over by the Austrians who, with the exception of the French rule by Napoleon between 1796- 1814, kept it until the liberation of Lombardy by Vittorio Emanuele II. The famous architect Luca Beltrami who, starting in 1893, brought the Castello back to its former model carried out its reconstruction.
Among the many interesting centres of attractions of the castle, it is worthwhile mentioning the impressive Tower of Filarete, the huge Piazza d’Armi Courtyard, the Rocchetta Courtyard and the small Courtyard of the Fountain.
SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE AND CENACOLO
This famous painting, commenced by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1495 and completed in 1497, is considered one of the most significant art creations worldwide. The painting shows Jesus announcing to his twelve Apostles that one of them was going to betray him.
Da Vinci painted his masterpiece using strong tempera on a dry wall instead of a wet one; this is the reason why it begun to fade soon after its completion. In time, the fresco has undergone a number of restoration interventions, of which the most recent was begun in 1978 and finished in 1999. The work has made original pictorial excerpts re-emerge and has shown more of Da Vinci’s sense of colour and drawing techniques. After the restoration, a sophisticated air filtering system was installed to impede the entry of dust, damp, vapor and polluting substances.
SANT’AMBROGIO
A fine example of the Romanesque-Lombard churches, it was founded between 379 and 386 by Sant’Ambrogio, patron Saint of Milan, as a basilica dedicated to Christian martyrs. Sant’Ambrogio himself was buried there in 397.
The exterior of the church consists of an atrium, called Ansperto’s Atrium, with porticos on three sides, while the fourth is partly integrated in the façade. Underneath the portico are preserved architectonic fragments from the original construction.
It is worthwhile mentioning the two bell-towers flanking the façade, Campanile dei Monaci and Campanile dei Canonici.
In the interior of the Basilica, one of the most interesting works is represented by the famous Altare d’Oro, a masterpiece of Carolingian gold craftsmanship dating back to 836.
Outside the atrium, in the Piazza taking its name after the city’s patron Saint, it is possible to admire the Tempio della Vittoria, an imposing octagonal marble building conceived in honour of the soldiers killed during the First World War.
STROLLING AROUND MILAN
Strolling around Milan is the best way to discover this marvellous city. There are many streets and districts in Milan where the pleasure of walking can be tasted. Some streets and squares have even been turned into pedestrian areas, often flanked by boutiques and picturesque corners. Brera, the artists’ district and the area around the canals, better known as ‘Navigli’, the most appealing district for nightlife, are a must for those who want to discover Milan in every single facet.
Milan also boasts beautiful parks: the Public Gardens located in the city centre are only some of the traditional destinations for those who seek some relax and a peaceful surrounding.
The Civic Museum of Natural History, founded in 1883, and the Planetarium built in 1929 are housed in the Public Gardens.
Across the park it is worthwhile visiting the gardens of Villa Comunale. The Villa itself is the seat of the Civic Gallery of Modern Art. Adjacent to the Villa also the Contemporary Art Pavilion, a fine example of Italian architecture of the late twentieth century, can be visited. PAC is the exhibiting seat where temporary modern art exhibitions are held.
THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK
Milan boasts an incredible network of trams, buses and three highly efficient "metro". It may be a good idea to leave your car at one of the car parks next to the metro stops and get around the city only by using public transports. They are quite convenient and represent a real opportunity to make the most of your visit. Timetables and line routes are shown at all tram and bus stops while in the metropolitan railway stations, panels indicate the destination and the waiting time for the next train. The ordinary ticket is valid for 75 minutes and entitles you to change as many buses and trams, as you may need while it allows only one journey on the metropolitan railway. There are various kinds of tickets and passes to meet the specific requirements of different travellers such as tourists, businessmen and occasional users. If you are a tourist you may discover Milan and its beautiful spots on board of a picturesque tram of the twenties. You can choose what to see and when to get off, visit what you like and then catch a later tram to continue your sightseeing. The tourist tram is also multilingual thanks to earphones available on board.
