4 Nights in milan
The Lombardy or Lombardia region of Italy occupies a major portion of the northern Po River valley between the Tincio and Mincio rivers. Lombardy is home to Italy's famous lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda that lie at the foot of the Alps. Piedmonte and Valle D'Aosta border Lombardy to the west and the Veneto and Alto-Adige regions on the east. Lombardy, an agricultural center, as well as an industrial and commercial one, Milan is an international center of business and fashion. The economic hub of all of Italy, a Mecca for fashion and shopping but there are also historical highlights that include the Duomo. A gothic masterpiece with an unbelievable view of the city from its many-spired roof. Milan is the home of the world famous opera house La Scala and some great museums but shopping enthusiasts will want to visit the Galleria, where the Milanese come to be seen. Milan is a big destination for business travellers, but many tourists also spend a day or more there before moving on. Art-lovers will not want to miss the masterpieces in the city's galleries. For longer, more tranquil holidays, huge numbers head for the Italian lakes: Lake Como and Lake Iseo are entirely within Lombardy, while the region's borders run along one shore of Lake Maggiore (in the west) and one shore of Lake Garda (in the east). Aperitivos, the all-you-can-eat phenomenon, once restricted to sizzler and pizza hut, has transformed the Milanese nightlife and halved the cost of a good night out, the unlimited access self-service buffet is associated with bars, not restaurants. It is...the Milanese happy hour. Oh bej! Oh bej! (in Milanese: "oh so nice! oh so nice!"; is the most important and traditional Christmas fair in Milan. Also known as the "Fiera di Sant'Ambrogio" ("Saint Ambrose Fair").
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Within City Walls
City Tour
The city boasts several popular tourist attractions, like Duomo and Piazza, Teatro alla Scala, San Siro Stadium, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, Via Montenapoleone, Milan Cathedral, the Castello Sforzesco and the Teatro alla Scala, the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, the Navigli, the Brera district. The 108.6 meter Torre Branca is Milan's Tour Eiffel. The Duomo of Milan is an amazing sight. To appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, take the lift to the roof, from where you to get a breathtaking view of the Alps on a clear day. |
For the Kids
The Civic Aquarium serves as both an educational and enjoyable attraction. Families may also like to consider exploring the Milky Way at one of the regular Solar System shows at the Milan Planetarium (Planetario Ulrico Hoepli), or catching a show at the city's charming Puppet Theatre (Teatro delle Marionette). When the sun is shining down, the Aquatica (Waterpark) soon fills up with children. Idropark Fila is a huge amusement and water park. Day trip to Gardaland (1.5 hrs away Lake Garda) is a huge and extremely popular theme park with around 40 different attractions for all ages |
The Last Supper
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie is arguably greatest Renaissance painting, capturing the dramatic moment at which Jesus reveals one of his disciples will betray him. It's so realistic that you can imagine the shock and amazement of the religious followers. Paint started peeling away in Renaissance times. In the 19th century it was a backdrop to the French invasion and nearly got destroyed in the Second World War. It's a miracle that it has survived. But thanks to a restoration the fresco can now be seen in full colour. |
Rectangle of Gold
Milan is a haute couture powerhouse, where fashions jump from catwalk to clothes rail in weeks. But unlike the sprawling district in Paris, Milan's boutiques fit into one square, bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea and via Montenapoleone: the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Rectangle of Gold). Designer named stores include Armani, Chanel, Missoni, Prada and Versace. Even if the price tags are out of your budget, you can spend many a happy hour admiring the window displays. And if you can only just afford €500 on a pair of Miu Miu boots, rest assured, shopkeepers gladly accept plastic. |
Castello Sforzesco
During 15th century, home to aristocratic court of Ludovico 'il Moro' Sforza, patron of Leonardo da Vinci, but fell into decline under French rule until it was restored with the help of architect Luca Beltrami. You can see the results in the 20th century recreation of the Renaissance tower above the façade. 12 mini museum highlights include the Museo d'Arte e Scienza, with displays on Da Vinci's life; the Palazzo d'Arte, a fantastic showcase for design that was once home to the Triennale; the Pinacoteca di Castello, a gallery of luminous early Renaissance works by Bellini and Mantegna; and Civiche Raccolte d'Arte Antica, a sculpture gallery. |
Pinacoteca di Brera
The modest but exquisite collection at the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum covers works by major Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include Mantegna's Dead Christ, a moving Pietà by Giovanni Bellini, Piero della Francesca's Virgin and Child with Saints and Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus. Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese are all here. There's also a studio of plaster casts and drawings, and contemporary works, thanks to its wonderful study collection. Behind the museum, the Orto Botanico di Brera is a lovely spot to relax, and there are plenty of exhibition spaces, boutiques and cool bars to visit in the area. |
Idroscalo
Relax at Milan's man-made lake, Idroscalo. Originally carved out as a watery landing strip by Mussolini, who thought sea planes were the way forwards, it is now a zone of water, forest and parkland measuring 8sq.km. Its resort conjures up images of Italy's Mediterranean coastline, with beach clubs, barbecue areas and topless sunbathing; the shore is lined with pedalos. Kids like playing in the two large open-air swimming pools and children's pool on the eastern shore. Energetic families can follow the 4 mile hiking and cycle path around the lake, whereas kids can try the jungle gyms and skateboard ramps by Ingresso Villetta entrance. |
La Scala
A massive stage, 2,015 seats and some of the best acoustics in the world, and it draws in the finest performers. Named after the Santa Maria della Scala, the 1381 church that once stood on the same site, the opera has a dramatic past. Inaugurated in 1778 with an opera by Salieri, and many great works by Puccini, Verdi and Bellini have premièred here, so it has become a symbol of national pride. Thanks to a vital restoration and change of direction, it now stages cutting-edge opera with fluid scene changes and seat-back screens, which offer an instant translation of lyrics. With Stéphane Lissner at the helm, the programme is innovative and varied. |
Even the most die-hard Milanese fans might need a break from the city after a couple days, and thankfully there are plenty of places around perfect for day trips. Ciao Milano!
Pavia & Certosa
The Certosa, ancient castles, valleys, mountains, the plain bathed by the rivers Ticino and Po are some of the most beautiful landscapes in Lombardy. The province of Pavia– is predominantly flatland with Pavia at its centre, standing at the junction of the rivers Po and Ticino on a hill protecting it from floods and, in ancient times, from enemy attack. Lomellina is located on the right bank of the Ticino and is turned over to rice cultivation and abundant waters. Finally, there is Oltrepo`, beyond the right bank of the river Po, which straddles valleys dotted with vineyards and castles, and incorporates the dense forests of the Pavese Apennines. |
Gonzaga
Journey to Mantua, where every piazza recounts a tale of centuries of art. Start in the splendid Piazza Sordello, home to two of Mantua's most important edifices: the Cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale. The frescoed ceiling of the Camera degli Sposi, painted by Mantegna in the late 15th century, is one of the artist's most famous works. Take a boat trip along the Mincio river, so as to explore the Mincio Valley Nature Reserve, one of Italy's most important marshlands, and home to dozens of species of birdlife. Sabbioneta, an UNESCO world heritage site, reached its maximum splendor under Gonzaga dynasty. |
Cremona
A confluence of rivers, an unusual collection of stretches of water in the evocative landscape of the heart of the Po Valley. This is the province of Cremona. Lovers of classical music know Cremona as the home to the best string instruments in the world. A visit would not be complete without seeing both the museum dedicated to the work of Stradivarius as well as one of the modern violinmakers in the area. A climb to the top of the Torrazzo, Italy's tallest belltower yields a spectacular view of the city and the mountains.Tortellini, popular Crema dish, Salva cheese, Bertolina, and local dessert, Spingarda. |
Brescia
Brescia is a city located at the foot of the Alps in Lombardy Italy. The city has had a fascinating history going back centuries. Even before it was conquered by the Romans in 225 BC, it already had a lot of history behind it. The signs of this history can still be seen everywhere in the old town of Brescia, although, the new town doesn't have much more to offer. Tempio Capitalino are old Roman ruins, the last of the Roman ruins of the city's forum. The pre-renaissance churches have beautiful 12th century crucifixes and large stone domes. City cathedral more than 150 years old has the third largest dome in Italy. |
Lombarda Salt Road
Ancient Via del Sale, traverses entire length of Oltrepò Pavese, from Pavia to Genoa. This historic thoroughfare links the regions of Lombardy, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, and Piedmont and has greatly contributed to the creation of a shared identity. Much of the road snakes through the valley of river Staffora, through an unspoilt landscape of woods, medieval towns and castles. Stop off at one of the traditional inns or romantic little hotels nestling between the hills of Oltrepò. In the summer, Pavia's Visconteo Castle transforms into a spectacular venue for cultural events and concerts. |
Lake Como
Surrounded by mountains and skirted by what seems to be an unending chain of medieval churches, opulent villas and magnificent gardens, Lake Como offers visitors some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Italy. There is a particularly glorious view of the lake from Laglio, where George Clooney has recently set up home. The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso houses a statue of the Madonna and Child, which is reputed to have the power to work miracles. Como is a charming and a surprisingly dynamic town with an historic center, close to the lake. |
Lake Maggiore
Of the 3 large pearl pine lakes, Maggiore is the 2nd largest after Lake Garda. It acts as a boundary between Lombardy and Piedmont and a part of it also sits in Switzerland. Less crowded than Garda and less glitzy than Como, offering one of the more relaxed and natural experiences of all the grand Italian lakes. Famous for producing a bounty of Mediterranean vegetation it is framed by blue skies, lush greenery, Monte Rosa. A CableWay takes tourists from Laveno-Mombello to Sasso del Ferro about 800 meters above Lake Maggiore. Spectacular views and beautiful nature await them. |
Emilia Romagna
Good beaches, pretty and diverse countryside, fascinating medieval cities you won't run out of things to do with arguably the finest cuisine in Italy. Emilia-Romagna a fascinating town is centred around the ancient city of Bologna. Before the unification of Italy, this region was the heart of the Papal States. Must sees include Ravenna (centre of art, culture and, famously 'the city of mosaics'), Parma (an affluent town), Bologna (exceedingly cultured and sophisticated town, with some beautiful architecture), Modena (unspoiled medieval centro storico). Click me for more. |