Two Faves of Milan: Duomo Roof, Cemetery

 What an experience - climbing to the roof of the Duomo in Milan and walking around it viewing the detailed of the ornate spires and statues while looking out to the edges of the modern city. It really was more than I expected. I highly recommend using the roof visit of your your Duomo tour ticket separately on a morning just when the roof opens to avoid the crowds. You have 3 days to use the roof ticket from your Duomo tour date. You can walk the stairs or take the small elevator. Both are somewhat claustrophobic! 

5th largest Christian church

no two of 3400 statues are same

the lighter the stone, the more recently it was replaced. most/all will be as stone deteriorates 

the old frames the new

statues hidden behind columns

Turk doesnt like heights!!

135 gargoyles

dates marble replaced

I love cemeteries and always look for the notable ones to visit, especially in other countries. Monumental Cemetery of Milan is worthy of a visit. Opened in 1866 it is the resting place of famous Italians, especially who were from or notable in Milan. The grounds are filled with artistic sculptures, vignettes, tombs all amongst a tree shaded park with benches and dirt walkways. Beautiful and relaxing, but I wouldnt want to visit at night. Some of those sculptures are way too realistic!

chapel and mausoleum as entrance to cemetery grounds

tombs and sculptures everywhere

one of the interior hallways 

lifesized

seems a lot of work when dead

WWI

many WWI graves

angel just hanging out

gotta have at least 1 pyramid

tower of Babel with statns of cross

doesnt look good for family

try to get a family gathering -what a mess

touching kiss

not sure what this is about, but naked and Jesus

young aviator Fabe, 1941

last supper for Campari family site

fired ceramic Nike, 1949

 

art deco was popular

almost see them dance

Marvelous Milan

Our last stop was the bustling city of Milan. Fashion week was the week before we got there so I was interested to see how fashionable Milanese really are (they are). Design here is not only about clothing, but also architecture, and food. 

So much to see and a few days is not enough to explore the more subtle locations: a designer's museum, fancy spa, unique neighborhood. So, some things for next time!

First tour - aperitivo tour of Navigli, the canal district. We found out that Milan used to be a city of canals created to transport building materials and supplies to build the cathedral and other well known structures. All were eventually filled except for two that are located here. This area is now known for its lively and unique bars, galleries and restaurants - fun!

Grand Canal

unique distillery - amazing cocktails

near sunset

rowers, lots of canal activity

looking forward to aperitivo!

graffiti, book stores, galleries everywhere

more art - Amy

a private home

same cable car maker as San Francisco

baked potato with porchetta-one of our food samples

Duomo at night - near our apartment

 Galleria Vittorio Emaneule II from 1877

mosaic floors, sparkling interior

Duomo, soft pink marble

bronze door detail

softness allows intricate carvings

Bronze door

notice marble, gargoyle, design

400 years to build

ceiling looks carved-but is fresco'ed!

       

  

  Our next stop - the Last Supper.  While the painting is remarkable on its own, its history of being made, then restored, surviving WWII bombing, restored again and again are fascinating.  Da Vinci did not use the proven fresco method to paint this because it requires speed (before the wall dries). He created his own method that allowed more flexible timing, but the method did not preserve the work long. The monks (the painting was in the dining area of the monastery) decided to cut a doorway in the middle bottom of the painting since it was disintegrating anyway.

sandbagged in WWII

     

1943 bombing top:Last Supper

                                               

restored Last Supper - can now actually see facial features for first time, but not Jesus' feet!

also surviving bombing, amazing Donato Montorfano's Crucifixion (bottom pic in bombing photo)

Needle, Thread and Knot sculpture

 Needle, Thread and Knot sculpture is in front of Cadorna rail station. The knot is in the center of a fountain which is the roundabout. The three thread colors through the eye of the needle represent the 3 rail lines open in 2000. Theme represents the fabric/fashion industry of Milan.

Sforza Castle is a 15th century rebuild of a medieval castle by the Sforza family.  Interestingly, the influential's family coat of arms is reflected in the Alfa Romeo logo, car maker based in Milan.

Sforza

see snake eating baby!

main gate into castle fort

beat up castle tower

Random street scenes and experiences!

skincare week in Milan-free services if you wait long enough

adding on to historic market, just to get upstairs!

all stores have black guard at door in black

vintage Missoni anyone?

We found the high end food specialty markets near our apartment - so much to try and so little time! Peck has been around since 1883 with 3 floors of specialty foods including over 3000 wines,pasta factory, cheese maker, butchery, pastries, and on and on!

dried meats

notice the lace

who would name their clothing store 'ACNE'??

random poser on the street

definitely making statement

stylish 50something woman

white sneakers are a must

gorgeous red silk jacket

many men seen food shopping

when purse has more material than top

boots more material than top

Duomo-astrological clock

     

microsoft! near cemetery

height challenged?

ornate mosaic floors

Galleria glass dome

rooftop bar across from Duomo

Versace + Rosenthal

typical gelato place with chandelier!

thin with gelato!?

scoping the roof

Milan apartment atrium-alive!

on train from Milan to airport

 

leaving train station

 

one last gelato

airport gelato expert