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Lombardia:
Milan
Milan
is a big city - somewhat industrial - somewhat chic.....always
very cool.....always in fashion (literally). My favorite
first stop in Milan is the Duomo. The
Duomo is located in the center of town and is an extravagant
example of Gothic architecture (14th century). It is
the third largest cathedral in the world. The spires,
of which there are 135, the statuary, the gargoyles
and turrets make this one of the most memorable of churches.
Inside, there are brightly colored stained glass windows,
the tomb of San Carlo Borromeo (in the crypt) and a
staircase to the top that offers some of the best views
(and fabulous surroundings) of Milan and beyond. The
Pinacoteca di Brera is a fabulous museum
located in a 17th century palazzo with a central courtyard.
In the center of the courtyard stands a bronze statue
by Canova depicting a victorious Napoleon. Inside is
a collection of paintings (masterpieces) including:
The Kiss by Hayez, The Dead Christ by Mantegna, The
Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Modigliani°s portrait
of Moise Kisling, Crivelli°s Madonna Della Candeletta,
Bellini°s Pieta, Solario°s Portrait of a Gentleman and
many other fine, fine works. If you choose only one
museum in Milan - you choose this one. However, if you
can fit just one more museum in to your plans, head
to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. Located
near the duomo, this library and picture gallery have
much to offer the art lover. On the first floor is the
library of Cardinal Federico Borromeo with over 30,000
manuscripts. Upstairs you°ll find the Pinacoteca and
works by Caravaggio, Brueghel, Botticelli, Titian, Da
Vinci and many others. If only for a cup of coffee (at
Il Salotto), I always stop in at the Galleria
Vittorio Emanuele II. This is an amazing 19th
century shopping arcade often called Il Salotto di Milano
(Milan°s drawing room). The floor of the Galleria is
a mosaic representing the continents of Europe, Africa,
Asia and America and others depicting Science, Art,
Industry and Agriculture. One of the loveliest features
of the Galleria is the glass and metal dome roof....beneath
the dome the floor illustrates the signs of the zodiac
(in mosaic) and for whatever reason, you°re supposed
to step on the genitals of Taurus (the bull) for good
luck.....and who hasn°t heard of the Teatro
Alla Scala? The famous (and beautiful) opera
house with the grand stage is an 18th century treasure
hosting magnificent voices and fabulous productions.
The Chiesa Di Santa Maria Della Grazie
is a lovely 15th century Gothic church. Just next door,
in the convent is Leonardo Da Vinci's Cenacolo/The Last
Supper mural. Of note, the image of Christ is unfinished
- Da Vinci did not feel he was worthy to complete Christ°s
image. The Museo Del Duomo is located
in the Palazzo Reale (the Royal Palace). Inside you°ll
find art and artifacts that chronicle the history of
the Duomo. On the second floor of the Palazzo Reale
is the Museo Civico D'Arte Contemporanea.
This museum has a really fine collection of 19th century
Italian works as well as contemporary exhibits. The
Museo Poldi-Pezzoli houses a collection
of paintings, furniture, tapestries, rugs and porcelain.
Some of the best known pieces found here are the Portrait
of a Young Woman by Pollaiuolo, Bellini°s Cristo Morto
and Lippi°s Madonna, Angels and Saints. Stop by the
Castello Sforzesco if you have time.
This Renaissance palazzo/fortress now houses the Civiche
Raccolte D'Arte Antica - fine art, furniture, paintings
and sculpture (in particular Michelangelo°s Rondanini
Pieta). The Basilica Di Sant'Ambrogio
is a 10th century Romanesque church (originally built
in the 4th century). The stark exterior has two bell
towers on either side. The inside is far lovelier (and
ornamented) than the exterior. There's a big
market each Saturday and a smaller daily market in Milano.
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