The Trip:
When you think of Italian cities to visit you probably think of Rome, Venice and Florence. Milan does not come to mind for most tourists. Milan is off the beaten “tourist path” even though it is the second largest city in Italy. We knew little about Milan and the Region of Lombardi before we booked our travel. There are direct flights from Miami and trains from Milan could deliver us to anywhere in Northern Italy and Switzerland in a couple of hours. That we did know. We booked an apartment in Milan for nearly two weeks just off Via Torino on Via Valpetrosa. This became our base location. One week was spent in Milan proper and three days in Lucerne, Switzerland, one day meeting friends in Florence and one day in Vernazza, Cinque Terre.
The Apartment:
Our apartment was a 7 minute walk to the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Near the Duomo we found a bar called the Terazza Aperol where they made our favorite aperitif, an Aperol Spritzer. Milanese, however, do not know the correct way, the Miami way, of making an Aperol Spritzer. They need to pay attention and learn the proper way to make one. Instead of adding a splash of soda water, add a dash of St Germaine, favoloso! Also nearby were very good restaurants on Via Santa Marta. La Scala Opera House and the Sforzesco Castle were within an easy walking distance.
Renaissance and Fashion:
How could we not know how important Milan is? After all, Milan is home to Leonardo di Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in history. The City is the center of Italian fashion and design. It is home to the some of the biggest names in the industry, Valentino, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni. Milan has the reputation as a trendsetter in interior and furniture design.
Duomo di Milano:
Milan also has the majestic Duomo di Milano. It is Milan’s equivalent to other famous architectural sites in Europe like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Big Ben in London. The Duomo is smack dab in the middle of Milan. The Duomo is an imposing Gothic cathedral, the largest and most elaborate in Italy. It is the second largest cathedral in Europe and the third largest in the World. It began construction in 1386 and was completed almost 600 years later, after I was born. Wow! We climbed all the way to the rooftop where we could see the countless gargoyles and intricate spires.
No Crowds:
Milan has an abundance of entertainment options and amenities. It never seemed crowded. The ratio of tourists to locals is much more balanced than most other large cities. The locals can go on with their every-day lives unaffected by the comparatively small number of tourists. A tourist can blend in easier in Milan. We roamed the fabulous streets and pretended to be locals.
Transportation:
The city’s transportation network of trains, buses and subways efficiently carry commuters and tourist around the city without commotion, congestion or interruption. The international airport and the main train station are equally efficient and orderly. Boasting an amazing rail network connecting Northern Italy and Switzerland, Milan is the perfect jumping-off spot to explore further afield.
Milan is definitely a destination for many return trips.
