Walkabout Milano, Italy

Milano, Italy

Well, Milan is probably most famous for it’s Fashion industry but did you know it’s also the financial heart of Italy. Many International companies have their headquarters here including the Italian Stock Exchange, Amazon, Alibaba and Apple. It also houses some very famous artworks like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Not to forget the historical and modern architecture. It’s also the second largest city in Italy by population with approx. 8.2 million inhabitants in the inner city and greater metropolitan area.

An ancient Celtic population is said to have founded Milan in 600 BC. Along time ago. Of course the Romans took over not long after that and they hung around for some time. In the early middle ages (5th-15th centuries) the Visigoths (Germans) thew them out. Eventually the population became more Germanic-Roman, not surprisingly. Then Charles the Great (Charlemagne) 700 AD entered the scene. He reached the hight of his power in 800 AD, when he was crowned King of the Romans by Pope Leo 111 at the Basilica in Rome on Christmas Day. Northern Italy including Milan continued with German Roman Emperor’s until 1162 when the city was practically destroyed by continuous wars. In 1556 the Spanish took their turn and in 1629-1631 came the great plague killing half the population at that time (60,000 died). Not a great history so far.

Then the french dropped in for a while in the early 1700’s and even Napoleon was crowned King of Italy in 1796. After Napoleon left in 1815 it was the Austrian’s turn. It wasn’t until 1859 that French and Italian troops defeated the Austrians and this is when the Kingdom of Italy was established on the 17th of March 1861.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

A fashion city has a major influence on international fashion treats. The city is regarded as part of the global big four include Milan, London, Paris and New York. Milan has two major fashion weeks, one in June and the other in September. Of course they are well attended so pre-booking is important if you want to attend. So I dare say is a fat wallet and a sky-high profile. All the worlds major fashion brands are represented and most have their premises in the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

This structure is Italy oldest shopping gallery and a major landmark in Milan. Housed within a four story arcade in the centre of town the centre is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. it was designed in 1861 and built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. Most striking about the building is the glass and iron roof that sheds natural light throughout the centre. Do i need to say that it was badly damaged during the war, some years later in was restored.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Now this must be one of the longest construction periods in history. The Milan Cathedral commenced construction in 1386. It was built over six centuries, even Napoleon Bonaparte was involved when he was King Of Italy. There were numerous architects and engineers involved, too many to list and it wasn’t until 1965 that the cathedral was completed. Can you see the statue of Madonnina on the great spire at the top of the cathedral, laid in 1774? well its said to be made of gold. God help anyone trying to steal it 😂

Palazzo Reale Milano (Royal Place)

Originally this was the seat of government for Milan before it became the Royal Palace until 1919 when it was acquired by the state. Unfortunately it was badly damaged during world war two by the allied forces. Neglected for some years before restoration was completed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Milan

Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore.

From the Cathedral we walked down Via Tolmo and Cordi di Porta Ticinese towards the Milan canals. On the way down what we saw was the columns of St Lawrence out side the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore.

“Let’s meet at the columns” is one of the best known idioms in Milan: it means meeting up for an evening with friends at the foot of the 16 columns that rise in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore , along Corso di Porta Ticinese. The columns and the church date back to Roman times , between the 4th and 5th centuries, and are one of the most beautiful traces of the past in the city.

Then on to Arco di Porta Ticinese, the gateway to the city. It is said that it is the real gateway to Milan. Always a place for trade and a crossroads of goods and people. Always been a seat for customs since 1601. Built between 1549-1560. A market place for slaughtering animals they say.

Navigli District

We had lunch alongside the canal in the Navigli District not far from the Porto Tininese. It is well known in Milan for its beauty and night life. There were a lot more canals and this area was once know as little Venice. The canals were used for the transportation of goods and people but a lot (most I’d guess) were filled in after the invention of the motor car. It was along these canals that the marble blocks were transported to build the Milan Cathedral.

From the Navigli district we headed back towards the centre of the city to see the Milan Castle.

Sforzesco Castle (Milan Castle)

This castle was built in the 14th century by the Visconte Family. The Sforza Family held it after that thought marriage with a Visconye until the end of the 14th century, hence the present day name. After them it changed hands a number of times between the French, Spanish and Austrians. Even it’s function changed from a Palace to a Fortress. It’s not a long walk from the cathedral up the Via Dante. Give you the best view of the castle and is filled with Cafes and Boutiques.

Via Dante

Right so by the time we had finished touring the castle we were both just about exhausted. On leaving the castle we dipped our feet in the Fontana di Piazza Castello, along with all the other kids. Its just outside and a must if its a hot summers day. And as we were walking back down the Via Dante, what did we do? Well what do you think we had a bloody cold drink that’s what! A red-wine beer for me and Aperol Spritz for Fabian. ‘Piccola o grande signora?’ Definitely Grande.