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Of the three beautiful churches that are most notable in Milan, the Duomo, the huge cathedral in the center of town, is the most famous. Visitors are able to travel up to the largest tower for a great view until 5:30 p.m.
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Milan up close, personal
Posted 7/15/2011 Updated 7/15/2011
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by Cadet Molly Engle
Air Force Academy
7/15/2011 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- My sister is on an exchange program this summer in Milan, so I decided to take the three hour and 40 minute train ride from Pordenone, Italy, to Milano Centrale to pay her a visit. The family who she is staying with agreed to give my friend Sarah and me an insider's perspective into this very busy city. Once there, we navigated Milan mainly by taking advantage of its subway station. Subway tickets are one euro, but if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, buy the daily pass for unlimited subway rides at only three euro a day - your feet will thank you later.
My sister's host family lives on the farthest of three rings, which characterize the expansion the city has gone through since its original founding. Each ring is actually an underground canal. Similar to Venice, the city's streets are built above water, but when it rains the water starts to overflow into the streets. Fortunately, it never rained during our weekend trip, but if the forecast looks questionable during your trip, plan to bring boots because the water can get knee deep in some areas.
Shopping and dining
Milan is famous for its fashion and extensive shopping district and the cost of living in the city is very high. However, there are some affordable shops on the outskirts of the main districts. The prices get gradually higher the farther in you travel, with the most expensive being in the center of the first ring. If shopping is your thing, head over to the amll - the high-ceilinged Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle. If you want more vintage items, take the subway to the river on a Sunday afternoon and explore the huge open market. River Street is also lined with a plethora of restaurants to satisfy the hungry tourist.
When asked where the best eateries are, our host family noted that all of them offer delicious food, depending on what you are looking for. If you are interested in bars, there are a few important things you should note: most bars charge more if you order at the table but it is acceptable to order at the bar and then eat at the table for a lower price.
Also, tipping is illegal and happy hour means that drinks are usually 1 euro more expensive, but they include an all-you-can-eat buffet. Happy hour in Milan is from about 6 to 9:30 pm. It is also important to note that most shops generally close from 1 to 3 p.m. for pausa pomeridiana or afternoon break, unless you are in the very busy tourist locations.
Must-sees
Some important Milano attractions that every tourist must see include the colonnes, a series of ancient columns around which couples like to congregate for their romantic beauty. The AC Milan stadium is enormous, which appropriately characterizes the fervor of the fans here. Across the street from the soccer stadium is a horse track. You cannot miss Leonardo da Vinci's huge prancing statue in front. In town, near the statue of the Leonardo himself, you will find the Teatro alla Scala, a famous opera house. Also, the Castello Szforzesco is an impressive brick fortress with a large fountain by its entrance and an expansive park with running lanes and ponds in the back. If you travel to the other end of the park, you can get a good view of the Peace Arch, constructed in 1807 by Napoleon.
There are three beautiful churches that are most notable in Milan. The Duomo, the huge cathedral in the center of town, is the most famous. Visitors are able to travel up to the largest tower for a great view until 5:30 p.m.
Leonardo famous Last Supper painting is in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. However, since this masterpiece is so popular, you must book tickets a couple months in advance to see it.
Sant'Ambrogio's is another beautiful church, full of history. The church was built in honor of Saint Ambrose, a bishop of Milan and the patron saint of the city.
Whether you're planning a trip hoping to shop, sightsee, enjoy delicious food or watch a soccer game, you will find plenty to suit your tastes in Milan. |
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