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VISITING MILAN
Milan is either Italy's second or first city
Milan tourist highlights
begin with the magnificent, gleaming white Duomo.This
immense Gothic cathedral took 500 years to complete, and
reflects the change of fashions in a surreal mixture of
architectural styles. A trip up to the roof is an
unmissable experience; you can sunbathe among the marble
pinnacles and enjoy a spectacular view as far as the Alps.
 Next
to Piazza del Duomo is the famous Galleria Vittorio
Emanuele, an elegant nineteenth century glass-covered
shopping arcade, where you can enjoy a coffee while
watching the stylish Milanese parade by.(Rub your feet on
the genitals of the bull in the central mosaic for good
luck). A tragic story is attached to the Galleria;the
architect Giuseppe Mengoni died the day before it was
opened,falling from the roof.
Milan is rich in art galleries, and highlights include the
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (artists include Leonardo da Vinci,
Caravaggio and Raphael), and the superb Pinacoteca di
Brera, which contains works by Italy's greatest masters.
Highlights include Mantegna's foreshortened Christ
 Other
notable sights of Milan include Leonardo's Last Supper, in
the church of Santa Maria della Grazie (you must book in
advance), the row of Roman columns outside the church of
San Lorenzo and the mighty Castello Sforzesco. As well as a nice grassy courtyard
where you can rest, this business-like fortress now
contains a number of museums, one of which (the Museo
d'Arte Antica) contains Michaelangelo's strange last work,
Rondanini Pieta, which he worked on for nine years without
completing.
Depending on your interests, you may also want to pay a
visit to the most famous opera house in the world, La
Scala, or to one of the most famous footall stadium, the
mighty San Siro, home to both AC Milan and Internazionale.
For designer shopping (or window shopping), the best area
is the Quadrilatero, around Via Montenapoleone and Via
della Spiga. For an interesting ramble, try the Navigli,
the shabby but fascinating canal district, or the Brera, a
picturesque quarter with a trendy, arty vibe. These last
two are also good areas for evening promenades and
nightlife.
Note that we don't usually give precise opening hours, as
these are liable to frequent change. As a rule of thumb,
most museums in Milan are closed on Mondays, and many
attractions (such as churches) close for a lunch break
somewhere between midday and 3pm. The Tourist Information
office publishes a booklet with the latest opening times -
ask for this when you arrive.
 La
Scala is one of the world's greatest opera houses.
However the theatre is currently (2003) closed for
renovation, and at the centre of a typical Italian storm.
Accusations are flying, resignations are called for, and
considerable concern is being expressed for the fabric of
the historic building. The work began in early 2002, and
was scheduled to last three years. In the meantime,
performances take place at an alternative venue, Teatro
degli Arcimboldi.
La Scala Ticket Office is located in Piazza Duomo, with
access from the stairs of the Metro (open afternoons
only). Ticket sales at Teatro degli Arcimboldi begin 2
hours before a performance. However, you should book well
in advance to guarantee a seat - the La Scala web site
(link below) has an online booking facility.
Teatro degli Arcimboldi is located in the Bicocca area,
north of the city. A shuttle bus (navetta) service runs to
and from Piazza Duomo for theatre goers (you'll need a
standard ATM transport ticket). Buses begin around 70
minutes before the performance, and run every five
minutes. Performances generally begin at 8pm.
Opera and Ballet at La Scala
Highlights of the La Scala 2003-2004 season (at the Teatro
degli Arcimboldi) include Nureyev's ballet Don Quixote
(6th-15th November 2003), the opera Turandot (13th-25th
January 2004), Bizet's Carmen (7th June - 22nd July 2004),
Madam Butterfly (7th-21st July) and the ballets Manon
(5th-12th February 2004) and Swan Lake (14th April - 9th
May 2004).
La Scala Museum
The Museo Teatrale alla Scala is an interesting tourist
attraction for theatre-lovers. The museum was founded
nearly 100 years ago, and exhibits include costumes worn
by Maria Callas, Carla Fracci and Rudolf Nureyev.
Portraits and mementoes of opera and ballet stars of the
past line the walls, as well as historic views and
souvenirs of the opera house itself. One of the most
curious and fascinating items on display is Verdi's desk.
The composer died in a Milan hotel in 1901, and upon his
demise, his desk was preserved for posterity. You can see
it in the La Scala Museum, complete with hotel notepaper,
playing cards, a French dictionary etc.
There is also a special exhibition of historic instruments
(including Verdi's piano) and gramophones (including a
fabulous 1920s attempt to camouflage a gramophone inside a
table lamp).
The La Scala Museum is now located in Palazzo Busca, Corso
Magenta 71, opposite Santa Maria Delle Grazie and
Leonardo's Last Supper. You can get there via the Metro
(Concilazione) or by tram. There is a machine for sales of
tickets to La Scala performances. The
museum is also included on a joint ticket for the Last
Supper and the Brera Gallery.
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