 On the face of it, travel to Milan should be the last
stop in destination Italy. After all no Renaissance does not flower
here and arts don't crawl out of every cranny. The crowds are a
major irritant and the weather is unbearable- to put it mildly .But
the city of Milan has its own charms. Apart from being the
throbbing business and financial capital, it is the undisputed
fashion and design capital of Italy , if not the world. And the
Renaissance is not entirely absent. Milan is a must see due to the
presence of da Vinci's epochal masterpiece-"The Last Supper".
Michelangelo's last work of sculpture also stands here.
CASTELLO SFORESCO
The fortress like castle evokes the legend of the Visconti and the
Sforza families. The latter made Milan the focal point of the
Renaissance. Masters like Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci came under
the fold of their patronage and left a veritable treasury of art.
Quite a few of these are lodged in the salons that step into the
humongous courtyard. Within the castle, revel in the series of
small sized museums where you can see the last work of Michelangelo
- his unfinished Ronandini Pieta, works by Bellini, Coreggio and
Magenta. Its a must see on your travel to destination Italy.
CIVICA GALLERIA D'ARTE MODERNA (CIVIC GALLERY
OF MODERN ART)
The former grand palace the opens up a luxurious display of modern
art. In a country of Renaissance you may not be exactly looking for
modern art. But it's worth it .Though Cézanne and Gauguin's
influences are clearly discernible, these works are transfused with
a quiet dignity. The ethereal landscapes, and the
anti-industrialism of the late 19th century clearly shine through,
but the assimilation proves a delightful admixture. CHIESA SANTA MARIA PRESSO DI SAN SATIRO
Long ago, thousands of faithful flocked to this church upon hearing
Madonna shed real blood. Though you won't be able to that, there
are enough attractions in this church to keep you riveted. It is
actually a marvel of design by architect Bramante who used its
greatest drawback-lack of space - to create spectacular structures.
The sensational relief behind the altar as well as the Trump L'oeil
column -both the outcomes of this space constraint -impart it a
magical look. Don't miss the Capella della Pieta that is adorned
with Byzantine frescoes and Romanesque columns. Its one of a kind
attraction in your travel to Milan. DUOMO
It took a long time to complete. The Visconti family's lasting
legacy is the fourth largest cathedral in the world- with 135
marble spires and a stunning triangular façade that became the
chosen place for two remarkable poets-Shelley and Tennyson. The
3,400 statues on its ostentatious exteriors allure. Hidden inside
are treasures unlimited including by Jacopo Tintoretto 's "Christ
at the Temple", works by De Chirico and Modigliani. GALLERIAVITTORIO EMANUELLE II
Welcome to the birth of the mall. The steel and chrome 19th century
structure perhaps still does not have any peers. The enclosed
galleria is the inspiration behind the present day gargantuan "all
under the same roof" shopping paradises. THE
LAST SUPPER
IDa Vinci's poignant masterpiece is perhaps that you would like to
visit Milan (thousands do - in fact the crowds are so large that
advance bookings are imperative)
And you will not be disappointed. The master has brought out all
the sub ed the Lord's life. Though aging, the pulsating core
radiates effulgently to attract multitudes.
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