HIGHLIGHTS OF MILAN
Cathedral Duomo
Gallery
Scala Theatre and Museum
Sforza Castle
Last Supper
Arch of Peace
Arena
Monumental Cemetery
Milan, Italy's Fashion Capital
Milan is the engine room of the country’s economy and home of its stock exchange, yet it isn’t driven by tourism. Treasures that survived WWII’s extensive damage include its elaborate cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, La Scala opera house and Castello Sforzesco. What really sets Milan apart, though, is its creative streak.
Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Gucci and many more took off on Milan’s runways. Fashionistas make a pilgrimage here to shop at the designers’ flagship stores in the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quad). Boutiques stocking emerging labels, and chic concept shops also line the city’s streets, while discount outlets selling samples, seconds and last season’s cast-offs are a bargain-hunter’s Holy Grail.
Fashion Week 2011
Milan is also the world capital of furniture and homewares (the beanbag is a Milanese brainchild), and a hub for risk-taking contemporary art. By night there’s an avant-garde theatre scene, a fabulous aperitivi scene (extended ‘happy hour’ with platters of bar food laid on) and hip, hot clubs.
Milan's Cathedral Duomo
In white Candoglia marble the majestic construction extends about 157 m length, 93 m wide, and its tallest spire reaches a height of 108 metres. With its 5 naves it is overwhelmingly great and one of the largest churches in Europe. The light falls through splendid stained glass inside. Fascinating is the decoration of more then 3,400 statues.
Built on the place of the preceding church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the work on the Cathedral Duomo started 1386. It is the most important work of gothic architecture in Italy. During the construction of five centuries, the style has be influenced by many architects. The façade was started in 1567 and was built in a classic-baroque style with a certain variety of classical and neo gothic elements. 1805 the front works were finished, while the construction of the statues continued through the 19th century.
On the top of the roof, in a height of 108 m, the golden statue Madonnina sit in state as a symbol of Milan.
The Terraces on the Roof of the Cathedral are constructed of Candoglia marble from the Maggiore Lake, too. It presented a unique innovation in the construction of cathedrals roofs. On 8,000 m² surface you can admire at close range the 135 tops with the different
It is a special fun to walk on the Cathedral’s terraces. You can go by stairs or elevator to the top.
From the terraces of the cathedral Duomo you have a breathtaking view over Milan and with good weather you can see the Italian and Switzer Alps.
In the center of the Duoms Square is the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II. Also the Gallery is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first Italian king from 1861 to 1876.
Famous Gelata!
The city also harbours some lesser-known attractions such as the Navigli’s canal-side cafés and old-fashioned gelaterie (ice-cream shops) and the funky design district of Isola.
Wonderful Cappuccino!