Surprise, Surprise, I love Milan! I know, I know – you can’t trust me because I’m clearly biased towards all things Italian. But believe me, you won’t be disappointed if you go to Milan. The city oozes class and ultra-chicness. But unlike Paris and Rome, it’s not packed with wall to wall people. Instead Milan is overfilling with art, music, architecture, and culture everywhere you you look.
And although Milan is a big city and the fashion capital of the world, everything is located within walking distance…although we hardly walked at all. Unlike Paris, taxis are abundant, cheap, and available everywhere. This made it possible to see almost all of Milan in one day, which is exactly how Brian likes to see a city. Whatever you say about Milan, it definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Unlike Lake Como, Milan is a vibrant and bustling city, fast paced and full of energy.
The stunning Camparino Bar, the famous iconic institution of Milan, and the birthplace to the “Americano” and “Negroni” cocktail. Both were vile, but the atmosphere was top notch.
Olivia in a pensive moment. I love how at home she seems in this picture just taking in all the sights and sounds of Milan.
We start our day touring the only castle in Milan, the Castle Sforza. It is massive and houses eleven different museums inside. Best of all, its only 5 euros for the entire place! It’s not at all crowded, and a lovely way to spend hours and hours. We spent 4 hours here and barely scratched the surface. But do you see something amiss?
That’s right-parasol perils persist. There seems to be a blanket ban on parasols in Milan, which of course, made Olivia very unhappy.
Right away we get to see one of the most treasured masterpieces in Milan – Michelangelo’s “La Pieta Rondanini.” The artist’s last work is one of only four “pietas” in the world. The most famous one is in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
What I loved about Milan’s “La Pieta” is that it is so accessible. So different from Rome or Paris, there were no lines or crowds to struggle against. Instead you can just fully immerse yourself in the experience. In my opinion, this is really what sets Milan above other cities.
And less you think that all our holidays are happy and idyllic, note the photographic proof otherwise.
Besides finding priceless works of art “boring,” someone is pouting because she can’t open her beloved parasol.
And she stomps out of the fascinating artillery museum, which ironically enough, is the only one Brian wanted to linger in.
Beautiful one of a kind paintings fail to interest Olivia even one little bit. That is real gold leaf by the way. And again, so accessible – look how close we are standing to it.
We try to appease Olivia by taking her to the Triennale Kids Museum. It starts out happily, but Milan’s idea of what kids like and what kids actually like seems at odds.
First of all, it’s weird. Dark and full of what I can only describe as “giant lawn ornaments,” there is a creepy vibe to the whole exhibit.
Olivia actually looked a little scared. And even more confusing, no touching allowed! That just seems crazy to me. We were fingertip close to Michelangelo just hours ago, but here these giant “Happy Meal” toys are off limits to little hands.
And then another confusing exhibit of kids furniture. Why would kids be interested in this? Especially when they are not allowed to touch them?
Finally in the last room, there were a couple of iPads that Olivia could actually touch to design some animation.
And a little Lego room to play in. Compared to Sforza Castle and any other children’s museum on the entire planet, the Triennele was a disappointment.
We journey on to my kind of playground. The famous Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II. An architectural piece de resistance of Milan, it’s basically the most beautiful mall I have ever seen.
One of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe, it is a showpiece covered with a glass and iron roof, artwork, mosaics, and an amazing architectural feat.
The glass dome and beautiful frescoes seem to replicate a cathedral to me. It’s like the Italians are implying that shopping is a religious experience.
No detail is overlooked – look at the beautiful walls, windows, door, and arches.
Of course we had to participate in the famous Torino Bull “Heel Spinning” tradition. Legend has it that if you put your heel on the bull’s testicles and spin around three times, you will be assured of good fortune. I don’t know if this is true, but Olivia was more than game to try it.
Me in front of one of the many designer shops inside. I wonder if Versace makes “travel dresses.”
This nondescript building is none other than “La Scala,” the most famous opera house in the world. Home to Verdi, Bellini, Puccini, and of course Toscanini, and their musical masterpieces.
It’s everything I imagined it to be, glittering, exquisite, elegant, luxurious, sumptuous, and refined. Filled with artwork, antiques, musical instruments, and sculptures, it is also a working theatre
And this was the “Highlight” of my entire day! We were lucky enough be in the royal box, and watch a full ballet with live orchestra accompaniment! I cannot even describe to you the thrill I felt. Probably I will remember this the rest of my life!
Another thrill for me- the original “Turandot,” my favorite opera, by Puccini. And this is why I love Milan. I can’t imagine being able have this kind of access in any other city. For me, La Scala was definitely my “nessum dorma.”
And last but not least, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” Amazing to believe that this was painted 600 years and is still as moving as ever today.
And again-there were no crowds and we were allowed to be up close. I am just in awe at how many priceless treasures Milan has to offer. It’s an amazing city.
And another work of art in Milan: The Food! Spectacular meals are de rigeuer in Milan. But don’t forget to bring bug spray…lots and lots of bug spray.
What an unforgettable and full day! Milan, you are one amazing city!