Milan, To See

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, opened in 1867. It's one of the oldest malls in the world and was designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni.

The gallery’s architecture is absolutely stunning: four arched entrances, a mosaic floor featuring the coat of arms of Italy, and a glass dome at the top. The building's design combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical styles.

Known for its luxury shops, the gallery hosts high-end brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as historical cafes, such as Caffe Biffi and Caffe Camparino. 

After enjoying the beautiful architecture of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, I headed to another famous spot to enjoy the visual art.

The Pinacoteca di Brera was founded in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to house Italy’s most significant collection of art. The museum is part of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, and its collection spans from the Renaissance to the modern era.

The gallery is home to some of Italy’s finest masterpieces, including works by famous artists such as: Caravaggio (with his masterpiece Supper at Emmaus), Raphael (with his iconic The Marriage of the Virgin). Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Tintoretto, and El Greco also have works featured here.

The museum is housed in a beautiful Palazzo di Brera, with high ceilings, grand halls, and spacious rooms that enhance the viewing experience. It also has a magnificent courtyard with lush gardens, providing a peaceful spot for visitors to relax.

Visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera was a truly emotional experience. The amazing artwork made me feel inspired and amazed, leaving me with a deep appreciation for Milan’s rich artistic history. As I left the gallery, I wandered the streets of Milan, feeling more connected to the city's art and culture, with each step revealing new layers of its beauty.

It was a very busy trip to Milan. And I loved it. Because Milan is a city that blends history, fashion, and modernity in the most exciting way.

From the stunning Duomo with enormous historical heritage to the chic streets lined with luxury boutiques, there is always something new to discover. The vibrant food culture, rich art scene, and mix of classic charm and innovative design make me eager to return. Every time I visit it, I find fresh surprises that draw me back for more.

Milan, To Listen

And again, I am on the Piazza del Duomo. Interestingly, the Milan Cathedral has 135 spires, each topped with a unique statue (can be a statue of a saint, some historical figure or mythical creature), making it look like a stone forest. Moreover, on one of those spires you can find a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was placed there in gratitude because he helped speed up the completion of the Duomo in 1805, just before his coronation as King of Italy inside the cathedral. 

I needed to move to another hotel. Honestly, it was cheaper than the previous one, and therefore it looks very shabby. 

After check-in I continue exploring the city centre. The Sforza Castle is a big, old fortress in the middle of Milan, built in the 15th century. It was once home to dukes and even Leonardo da Vinci worked there, painting some rooms. Today, it’s a museum where you can see Michelangelo’s last sculpture and lots of cool old artifacts.

The castle has a network of hidden tunnels used by soldiers and nobles to escape during attacks. Some are still unexplored today.

In the heart of Milan, I have found another popular landmark, the stunning Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Located in the historic Piazza Cordusio, this flagship store blends modern design with Milanese architectural charm. It’s not just about coffee here; visitors can watch beans being roasted on-site and taste some rare, artisanal blends you will not find find anywhere else. You also can learn about the art of brewing coffee at this location. I would say, it is a great spot for coffee enthusiasts who want to deepen their appreciation of the coffee-making process.

A new experience for me was a chamber concert in the local bookstore. String instruments and piano musicians within arm's reach. Quite unique and unforgettable. 

After the concert I came back to the hotel with a positive attitude. I was full of the melodies in my head, and I event did not want to have a dinner. 

Milan, To Eat

My first trip of the year 2024. Milan. I already have the plan how I am going to spend my time here. 

The Milan Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. It has five lines, but the most important for tourists are red and yellow. Usually I take a daily ticket and do not care much about timing. Moreover those tickets are valid across buses and trams, but I never used them in Milan.

The hotel is located near the main railway station. To my mind its quite easy to access to the city centre from here. And it is not extremely expensive as it happens in the very city centre.

While staying in Milan I am always attracted by The Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral, the largest in Italy. The facade of the church is adorned with elaborate statues, spires, and detailed carvings. And the cathedral's main doors are also masterpieces of bronze relief work, depicting biblical scenes and historical events. For example, the central door features intricate bas-reliefs illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary.

As evening falls, Milan’s streets light up with a warm and inviting glow. Elegant street lamps cast soft golden hues on the historic buildings, creating a mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. I love strolling down the streets at this time and watching how the sky is majestically darkening.

The experience of the day is a degustation menu with some Italian delicatessen. Well, it was good by two reasons - some fresh food and nice talks with other guests. I also have learnt that the most popular meat in Italy is pork, which is used for making prosciutto, pancetta, salami, porchetta, and sausages. Still, after finishing the meals I was hungry, so I took some food at KFC after. 

The next day will also offer some unique experience in Milan. Lets sleep and see.