One of the most fashionable, not to say richest cities in Europe also holds many historic and artistic attractions. Milan is home to the largest monument of Gothic architecture in the world. It is also home to the Last Supper painting and the famous La Scala Opera house. Though it came under heavy bombing during the Second World War, the city still maintains in its once magnificent state as well as a modern ambience that carries the heart away.
Between the Duomo and Castello, the city hosts a small historic center though some of the attractions showcased here can be seen at the Milan Picture Gallery. The Duomo is the largest edifice in the world that features the Gothic style architecture. The cathedral is the third largest Christian structure in Europe having been built in 1386. It is 500 years and its ancient structure still features a magnificent marble façade with 135 spires on the roof and an array of 3200 statues. The crucifix supposedly holding a nail from Christ’s own cross is housed on the inside, the cathedral’s piazza is the hub of Milan and it also serves as a museum. For viewing of the city, one can either climb the stairs or use the elevator where they will also get the treat of seeing the cathedral’s spires.
La Scala, the famous opera house seats more than 2000 in the audience section and was built in 1778. Quite a number of extraordinary acts are hosted in its opulent interior and the audience is treated to a very good sound. There is also a museum which you can tour to view the history of the Opera House. The huge glass-roofed Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II is a shopping arcade lined with up market shops, bars and restaurants. With an existence from the late 1800’s, it links the Duomo and La Scala. It has mosaics depicting symbols of the city’s formation during Italy’s unification. The bull of Turin has superstitious qualities and it is traditionally believed to be good luck to stand beside it.
Another gem of the 15th century, the Castello Sforzesco was built by the ruling Visconti of the times, later destroyed and subsequently restored by the Visconti’s sons. It became a museum in the 19th century and has become one of Milan’s most conspicuous land marks. Santa Maria della Grazie bombed back in the World War II houses the Last Supper.