Milan: The city of monuments, fashion and shopping

I have been travelling across southern Europe for a few days. I am in France and Italy on business but have some free time on my hands as well. I spent the last couple of days in Milan and today I would like to tell you a little bit more about the city. I am a frequent visitor here since – as you may know – I  am fashion buff and Milan is definitely the Italian capital of elegance.

But there is more to Milan than just fashion – above all it boasts a long history and amazing landmarks. It is a city bursting with life, living in its own unique rhythm, and it has it all: modernity paired with antiques, beauty and ugliness, poverty and affluence. I like to have coffee in one of the many cafés and watch the city’s inhabitants pass me by. I guess this is actually my preferred way of spending time here, and not sightseeing.

Speaking of sites, there are a few absolute must-sees in Milan. One such place is the St Mary of the Nativity cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo. It is one of the largest churches in Europe and the world. Both its exterior and interior made an impression on me, I was particularly enchanted with the coloured glass windows. The Piazza del Duomo itself is said to be one of the busiest in Europe – it is always full with tourists and locals to the brim. It look as though all of Milan get their everyday coffee at the same time. 

The other place I always visit while in the city is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is one of the oldest shopping centres in Europe sporting boutiques by the world’s most renowned brands. The centre also abounds in cafés where the local upper crust often meet. While there, pay attention to the floor – the mosaic tiles are set to depict the symbols of the united Italian cities. Allegedly stepping on the bull’s balls, the animal is the symbol of Turin, brings good luck 🙂

It is also worth visiting the nearby Teatro La Scala where one can admire top opera singers and the Sforza Castle that one belonged to the very powerful Sforza family. But I will save it for my next visit.