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Hidden Treasure of the Month!
April, 2005 - Milano
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Click images to see them full-size
The busy city of Milano (or Mediolanum as it was known before the Romans subdued the city more than 200 years B.C.) is another of Italy’s true hidden treasures. Most tourists get no closer to the city than Malpensa International airport, from where they rent a car and take off to the Lake District, and points beyond. Such a pity.
By skipping Milano, you are missing many of the treats that make the city so special – including fashion, design, and some of the most spectacular shopping streets to be found anywhere in the world (Via della Spiga, Via Monte Napoleone, Corso Vittorio Emanuele). And how about Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper?” Or how about the city’s quaint and charming “navigli” (canals), designed by Leonardo? Or the world famous Brera art museum? Or the massive Castello Sforzesco? Or some of the best restaurants in the world? Need we go on?
 View of the elaborately decorated Duomo from the rear
 Profile of the unique St. Ambrose Basilica
Only in Milano can you see one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals (the Duomo), as well as one of the world’s most intriguing Romanesque Basilicas (Sant’Ambrogio, built by the patron saint of Milano, St. Ambrose, starting in the late 4th century!).
 Milano's famous Galleria from the Piazza del Duomo
It is also in Milano that you can visit what is sometimes sacrilegiously referred to as the world’s first covered shopping mall – the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – starting at one end in front of the Duomo and finishing at the other end in front of the recently renovated La Scala opera house.
 Part of the "Creativity of the 1950's" exhibit
What’s more, this spring/summer (from March 4 to July 3), Milano is also hosting a truly eye-opening exhibit on “The Birth of Italian Creativity in the 1950’s” in the Palazzo Reale, next to the Duomo. This exhibit covers architecture, graphic design, modern art, fashion, furniture, office equipment, automobiles, motor scooters, photography, and cinema – a truly impressive collection which you can visit with an English-language audio guide. After visiting this exhibit, you’ll never have to wonder again why Italy has become so well-known for its innovative designs!
One of our traditionally favorite places to stay in the heart of Milano is the Hotel Regina – walking distance from most of the sites mentioned above.
 18th-century facade of the Hotel Regina
 Lobby skylight in Hotel Regina
As described by Nicole Franchini in the Karen Brown guide: The attractive, typically 18th-century façade and entrance invite guests into a luminous reception area converted from the original courtyard with stone columns, arches, marble floors, large plants, and a small corner bar with sitting area and tables. Completely refurbished rooms include all modern amenities and are very quiet, being off the street. Decorated comfortably and uniformly with identical furniture, rooms are warmed with soft-pastel-colored walls, parquet floors, and scattered Oriental rugs .
To learn more about the unexpected charms of Milano – including our favorite restaurants and other charming accommodations options – just call or e-mail Mariella.
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