Milan was the last city we visited, and we did so on the last day, as we were leaving from the Milan Malpensa airport that evening. We checked out of our hotel early in the morning, and headed into the city (about a 2 hour drive).
Unlike Verona or Venice, Milan is more of a normal city- meaning, big. We had the SatNav direct us the the general city center, and when we started seeing a lot of people, we found a parking lot.
Now, Milan is an expensive place. When people think of Italian shopping and culture, they think of this city. So of course it stands to reason that the parking would be super expensive. We parked in the first lot we found, not wanting to waste any time, which meant parking along side some gorgeous classic cars.. Our Skoda Yeti did not fit in well with the Bentleys and Mercedes!
The parking lots weren't the only place you could witness the money, though.
We walked around, this way and that, until we came across the shopping district. Along the side streets are the shops you would expect to see in any shopping area- H&M, Zara, etc. All wonderful, of course, but very normal. If you want to see some pizazz, something notable, then head over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
This shopping mall, named after the first King of Italy, was built in 1877 and is beautiful. Not to mention home to some of the most expensive and exclusive stores in the world. This exclusive- there was a McDonalds there, which was eventually kicked out. Kicked out, and replaced by a 2nd Prada store!
Of course I personally did not do any shopping there (ohhhh I wanted to), but it was wonderful enough just to walk around and look at the engaging architecture. The mall also has many popular bars, cafes, and restaurants and is apparently the place that the "Who's Who of Milan" frequent.
However, as nice as the mall was, what is outside it simply took my breath away.
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| The centerpiece to Milan- Duomo di Milano |
Now, when I saw it took my breath away, I am not exaggerating. If Lake Garda is some of the most beautiful nature I have ever seen, the Duomo is the most beautiful building. It is just astounding to look at. Every bit of it looks so delicate, like it is made of lace and might fall down if a slight breeze touches it.
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| If I was a princess, then this would be my fairytale castle. |
The inside is a dark and solemn cave, with little bits of light coming through the stained glass windows, and from the candles lit in memory of lost loved ones. Huge paintings are hung from the rafters, and even though the cathedral was filled with at least 200 hundred people, taking pictures, praying, or just wondering, there was almost complete silence.
Following the crowds around, we were able to get a peak at shrines to those significant to Milan's history, as well as the gorgeous golden sacristy of the church. If you go to Milan, be sure you go to the Duomo, but be careful if you go with children. Inside the church are bodies of past Cardinals and other religious leaders important to Milan- and you can actually see the mummified remains of some. It was all incredibly beautiful and righteous but still a bit disturbing.
After our excursion to the Duomo, we only had time to do a little shopping, as well as have a little wine (yay!) before we had to head to the airport. Out of all the cities we visited, Milan is the one we saw the least of. However, seeing the Duomo made it worth it, and I definitely suggest anyone in the area do whatever they can to visit it.
Other blog posts about my Italian Vacation:
Overview
Lake Garda
Verona
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