The City of Milano

Another weekend trip. This time I am traveling to Milano. Actually, it is one of the cheapest destinations from Prague. It is a good opportunity to get familiar with the city more closely, because usually I have stayed here just for a half of a day, as a transition place on the way to other Italian cities.

There is no train which would deliver you from the Malpensa airport. So, the bus is an affordable option for the budget tourists...

I already have booked the excursion in Milan to see the most significant sights here. But a have several free hours to observe the surroundings on my own.

The part of my independent excursion also included visiting the Castello Sforzesco, one of the symbols of Milano. Nowadays this imposing red-brick castle is the home to one of the city’s most extensive art collections, which I would like to see during my next trip to Milano. But there is also something to see outside. You may discover and admire the large courtyards, walls, moats and towers here.

Now it is the time for the excursion. We have started with a short walking in the direction to Piazza del Duomo. The guide was telling us some stories about the city, and surprisingly it was not boring for me.

So, Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region in Northern Italy, is the wealthiest and most expensive city in Italy to live in. And it is the second largest city in Italy. But we all know that Milan is a major fashion and design capital, the part of the prestigious “Big Four” alongside Paris, London, and New York. People travel from around the world to shop at Milan’s luxury temples. The city’s reputation for style and fashion makes it a shopping paradise. I also would love to go for a shopping spree, but currently I am more interested in cultural events.

So, our first stop is at Milan Cathedral, which is the third largest catholic church in Europe. It is also the biggest in Italy, and the fifth biggest in the world. It took over 500 years to build The Duomo Cathedral of Milan. The construction began in 1386 and the last details were only completed in 1965. Another striking figure about the cathedral is that more than 3 400 statues are resting inside!

Then we moved to La Scala (The Teatro alla Scala), one of the leading Opera house in the world, which was built in 1778. Many of the greatest opera artists of the past two centuries have performed at this opera house. And attending an opera performance at this iconic concert hall could be a memorable Milan experience.

Our final stop was connected with the greatest masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci. "The Last Supper" is probably one of the most famous paintings in the world. And it was actually painted on the wall of what once was the monastery’s dining room, and it has a massive size of  4m60 by 8m80. You can find it in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, but you should book your visit in very advance. Be aware of the fact, that you have only 15 minutes to observe this amazing fresco.

After all today's walks I feel extremely tired, but at the same time I feel very inspired. So many masterpieces in one day... Still, tomorrow I am having absolutely different type of activity, a breathtaking trip into mountains. It starts early in the morning, and I need to go to bed earlier today.

Melnik, Castle with Vineyard

Melnik is a historic town in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, situated at the confluence of the Vltava and Labe rivers, known for its well-preserved castle, charming architecture, and picturesque vineyards producing local wines.

It is only 1 hour to get to there from Prague, so I directed there to spend a half of a day and to try some local wine.

The Vltava is the longest river entirely within the Czech Republic, flowing through the picturesque landscapes of Bohemia. And the Labe, also known as the Elbe, is one of the major rivers in Central Europe, flowing from the Krkonose Mountains in the north of the Czech Republic. These rivers play a role in the region's viticulture, influencing the climate and contributing to the cultivation of vineyards for local wine production

Melnik Castle, situated atop a hill, is one of the most important sights of the town. The castle is built in the Renaissance style, and its roots dating back to the 10th century. It is surrounded by vineyards, and it has a longstanding tradition of wine production, so below the castle there are large wine cellars.

Of course I have tried some white wine from the local producers, and I do not mind to repeat this experience.

Dresden, Florence on the Elbe

Dresden is often referred to as "Florence on the Elbe" due to its abundant artistic and architectural treasures. The city was once one of the most important cultural centers of Europe, and it still boasts numerous museums, galleries, and historic landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world.

I continue exploring the city and visit the most famous landmarks.

Indeed, the main landmark here might be called the Elbe river. It is a nice type of activity to visit the riverbank and enjoy the dawn or sunset. I am not sure if it is good to swim there, but some people were doing it.

One of the most amazing views on the city is available from the clock tower of the royal palace. So, I climbed 200 steps and enjoyed the picturesque panorama.

Next stop was at the Zwinger Palace, which houses a good collection of art and antiquities. I simply could not but visit this gallery.

I was bored at the end of the day, frankly speaking. Probably, even one day is really enough to devote to exploring the city. Still, it is always a good idea to spend the morning in the new place. So, I do not regret that I have stayed here for a night.