Milan, Italy

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Milan ::.
Travel and Tourism Information

Milan boasts several unique attractions which are all rather close to each other; so this city, although a metropolis, may be easily visited by foot.

Duomo/S.Maria Nascente: this is the symbol of Milan. Its construction began in 1386 with architects from Lombardy, Germany and France. It is completely covered by pinkish-white marble, which now turned grey. About 3500 statues, representing saints, animals and monsters, decorate the church. The terraces offer a splendid view over the city. A medieval masterpiece in the interior is the Trivulzio Candelabrum. La Madonnina stands on top of the Duomo; it is a gilded copper statue of the Virgin Mary, 4.16 m high, dating back to 1774.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: an elegant arcade with cafès, restaurants and bookshops, called "il salotto di Milano". It was begun in 1865 by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni and inaugurated two years later by King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Palazzo Marino: the seat of the council of Milan since 1860. It was built in 1558 by Galeazzo Alessi for the banker Tommaso Marino.

Teatro alla Scala: this famous opera house was built by Giuseppe Piermarini between 1776 and 1778. Destroyed by air raids in 1943 it then was immediately rebuilt.

Castello Sforzesco: built as a fortress in 1368, it then was enlarged into a splendid ducal residence. It was turned into a museum in 1893.

S.Ambrogio: this basilica was built between 379 and 386 and later on enlarged an rebuilt in the 11th century. Highlights are the San Vittore in Ciel d'Oro Chapel with gilded mosaics, the Golden Altar ( a 9th century masterpiece by Volvinio) and the Sarcophagus of Stilicho.

S.Maria delle Grazie: this Dominican church hosts the Cenacolo, the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.You may notice the Lombard-Gothic style in one part and the Renaissance style by Bramante in the other part of the church's interior.

Pinacoteca di Brera: this gallery hosts one of the most important art collections in Italy with works by Raphael, Mantegna, Piero della Francesca and Caravaggio and other artists ranging from the 13th to the 20th century.

Other attractions include: San Fedele, Casa Manzoni ( where the famous writer lived), Palazzo Reale, the medieval Piazza Mercanti, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, San Sepolcro, Corso Magenta ( lined with elegant shops and noble mansions), the Navigli area, S.Maria del Carmine, Corso Venezia ( an elegant street with aristocratic residences, as Palazzo Castiglioni, Palazzo Serbelloni), S.Babila.

Milan
::. Surroundings

• Monza
• Agliate