Milan - To Do
Milan - To Eat
Milan - To Buy
Milan
To Do:
15June2013
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
located at Duomo Station
(World's oldest shopping mall)
15June2013
Click here to see our ABBA Travel Facebook page
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
located at Duomo Station
(World's oldest shopping mall)
This
is the place for high-end shopping, to find the latest and trendiest. Soak
in the architectural splendor, as the glass topped shopping crossroads, shields
you from the elements.
Bistros
offers refreshments and eats, as well the front row seats to people watch in
this beautiful area.
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| Taken on 25thJune23 |
In
the central mosaic there is a depiction of the bull from Turin Coat of Arms.
The tradition tells that if a person put its right heel on the bull's genitals
and turn on himself three times, this will bring good luck. This practice
causes damage to the mosaic: a hole developed on the place of the bull's
genitals. *from Wikipedia.
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| Taken on 24June23 |
taken on 26Aug2014
taken on 26Aug2014
taken on 26Aug2014
The
finest materials are used to construct this magnificent structure. Detail over loading from all of the fine craftsmanship. Words cannot describe the awe of hearing the halls echo to the sounds of service. A truly amazing experience.
ABBATIP:
- Try to go on a church on a service day to truly experience, feel the entire space. Listen how the music from the huge organs echoes through this acoustic space. Even the video does not do it justice.
- Try to go on a church on a service day to truly experience, feel the entire space. Listen how the music from the huge organs echoes through this acoustic space. Even the video does not do it justice.
Church
Service Chanced Upon, Sun 1730hrs.
ABBATip:
07Nov2015
Scale Duomo Di Milano About 170steps counted.
Take the
stairs over the elevator. It's €8 versus €11(lift) and saves you over an hour queue time for those
taking the lift! (Weekend crowd) Plus, taking the stairs gives you greater
satisfaction when you are finally rewarded with the view up top.
Well
worth the entrance free. A narrow, angular walk way brings you right to the top
of Duomo Di Milano. At absolutely stunning sight to behold, both of the city
and up close to the master craftsmanship that goes into making these
cathedrals. Incredible!
Its awe
inspiring that the roof top and main spine of the massive structure are able to
hold hundreds of visitors daily. Tourist constantly walking over it, and soaking
in stunning views of the city, phenomenal. The interior doesn't loose out in
anyway, now with a €2 entry charge.
Duomo Di Milano Interior
Though it
has been a year since my return to this beautiful cathedral, new sections have
opened up such as the crypt and the back of the cathedral with its massive
stained glass. Somehow the setting sun shining through intricate stained glass
brings a unique beauty and charm to the place. A must revisit if you haven't
seen it since its last restoration.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
(Home of the Last Supper)
(Home of the Last Supper)
I
had literally chanced upon this church, which I later came to the realization
that it was the home of the most recognizable and reproduce piece of catholic
art work. Leonardo Davinci's Last Supper. Unfortunately it was closed on a
Monday and only prior appointments allow for entry. ABBA Details below.
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There
was however, for, €10 to see
Leonardo Davinci's original sketch designs and scribbles on technological ideas
and human anatomy. In my opinion a severely overpriced tour for a single room
exhibit.
ABBA
Details:
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 8.15a.m. to 7p.m
Call center (+39) 0292800360
Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm
www.cenacolovinciano.net
Reservations are compulsory. In order to preserve the painting, only one group every 15mins is admitted.
Click here for ABBA directions to Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 20123 Milano, Italy
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 8.15a.m. to 7p.m
Call center (+39) 0292800360
Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm
www.cenacolovinciano.net
Reservations are compulsory. In order to preserve the painting, only one group every 15mins is admitted.
Click here for ABBA directions to Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 20123 Milano, Italy
Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Unassuming from the outside, but like many of european churches, the insides
are always grand to varying degrees.
What
impressed the most was the extreme eye to detail on the marble statue. The artist able to depict the softness of cloth from the robes, and even the intricate lace and its intricate designs. Stunning.
Deeper
inside, they had see through caskets of past men of god decked in elaborate
gowns as well as what looked like a mini court. *pictured above*
Deeper
inside, they had see through caskets of past men of god decked in elaborate
gowns as well as what looked like a mini court. *pictured above*
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, located at Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15, Milano, Italy
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence
&
The Colonne di San Lorenzo
The Colonne di San Lorenzo
The
church was relatively quaint, and had nice murals against its walls.
The
surroundings added to this location visit. With the Colonne Di San Lorenzo,
being one of the best known Roman ruins in Milan on one side, and the open
space park, thus framing it's grounds.
Click here for ABBA location Basilica of San Lorenzo Corso di Porta Ticinese, 39, 20100 Milano, Italy
Click here for ABBA location Basilica of San Lorenzo Corso di Porta Ticinese, 39, 20100 Milano, Italy
Musei Teatrale Alla Scala
La
Scala (Italian: Teatro alla Scala), is a world renowned opera house in Milan.
Have a look inside the theater and see various art works, instruments and some
of the costumes used for their various performances.
The
tour would probably be best enjoyed with an audio tour guide, which
would better explain the significance and prominence of the portraits of
the prominent opera singers of the time. Pictured above are two of the big
name rivals in the opera circuit. When asked about the other in an interview.
The response by one, "How can you compare coke to Champaign."
*shared with by a fellow traveller, Daniel*
Click here for ABBA location of Musei Teatrale Alla Scala
*shared with by a fellow traveller, Daniel*
Click here for ABBA location of Musei Teatrale Alla Scala
Castello Sforzesco
(English: Sforza Castle)
(English: Sforza Castle)
One
cannot miss this castle which stands prominently in Milan which can viewed all the way from Domo.
The moats have been cleared out, and green grass as well as cats have taken over the space. The space also houses several museums. (note; Museums in Milan are generally closed on Mondays)
The moats have been cleared out, and green grass as well as cats have taken over the space. The space also houses several museums. (note; Museums in Milan are generally closed on Mondays)
ABBATIP:
- Take care as individuals offering friendship bands targeting. After having tied, a seemingly 'free' friendship band with a dead knot, they demand payment. As seen in action in the footage of castle ground above. Friendship doesn't come free.
Castello SForzesco Musuem
€8 grants you entry to all the
Museums as well as entry to the upper levels and the rest of the castle.
Pretty good actually. You get a birds eye view of the square and access to the rest of the castle. They have a pretty impressive collection and section with in depth video explanations do bring to light the significance of the pieces you see.
For
example Michaelangelo's, considered to be his last, yet-to-be finished
masterpiece of Mother Mary and Jesus piece is built atop anti-seismic platform.
Extensive efforts and prep were put into it before its final display.
Exhibits
are pretty varied and the all encompassing ticket is very reasonably priced to
see more of the castle.
Porta Sempione ("Simplon
Gate")+
Parco Sempione ("Simplon
Park")
The
huge park, the castle, and the 'gate to Milan'. A laid back space
with youths either basking in the sun, having a game of basketball ball, or young families
strolling the grounds. Their ponds are filled with coy and ducks waddling a carefree life.
Talking
to locals, the park is relatively safe, with everyone sorta looking out for one
another. I was fortunate enough to get to join in a game of basketball
with the locals there, only to told later, that one of the players played
professionally. Thank goodness he was on our team. 
Day
trip to Lake Como
(Bellagio & Varenna)
(Bellagio & Varenna)
Have
a day trip to the beautiful and lovely Lake Como, located to the North of Milan, home of
stars like George Clooney, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Branson and many more.
Como stop itself is quite quiet and the view from there is nice. However, it is highly, highly recommended to take the extra jounrney up to Bellagio, where, literally 'just around the river bend, there's so much more'. Mind blowing scenery and amazing place to go visit. You can get there via bus/boat as we tried both ways.
Bellagio and Varenna are both picturesque townships which are similar but with their slight individuality and charm. Bellagio being the more commericailized as opposed to the more quiet township of Varenna.
Getting from Milan to Lake Como
Train tickets to Como can be bought insdie Cadorna F.N.Triensale station and the change of railway station is outside just outside.
> At F.N Triensale Station, change over to above ground rail station.
(start station) Milano N Cadorna ----> Como Nord Lago (last stop) aprox €10 round trip ticket.
Journey takes about 1hr.
ABBATip:
- Trains timing, and how to get there available at hotel concierge. Return journey timing aproximately 30mins apart.
- X on Marks Indicates hotel and highlighted stations to take to get to Lake Como.
* Ways to Explore Lake Como*
*Detailed description of routes chosen, time taken and pricing below*
> Bus ride Aprox €3
Pros: Fast, convinent and see the homes and villas up close.
Cons: Not ideal for photography. High growing shrbubery covers a lot of the view that you would either wise see the alps.
> At F.N Triensale Station, change over to above ground rail station.
(start station) Milano N Cadorna ----> Como Nord Lago (last stop) aprox €10 round trip ticket.
Journey takes about 1hr.
ABBATip:
- Trains timing, and how to get there available at hotel concierge. Return journey timing aproximately 30mins apart.
- X on Marks Indicates hotel and highlighted stations to take to get to Lake Como.
* Ways to Explore Lake Como*
*Detailed description of routes chosen, time taken and pricing below*
Pros: Fast, convinent and see the homes and villas up close.
Cons: Not ideal for photography. High growing shrbubery covers a lot of the view that you would either wise see the alps.
> Slow boat Aprox €4-11
Pros: A really relaxing view of all the villas up close.
Cons: Potential sea sickness. Too slow. Takes about 2/1/2hrs from Vareena to Bellagio.
Pros: A really relaxing view of all the villas up close.
Cons: Potential sea sickness. Too slow. Takes about 2/1/2hrs from Vareena to Bellagio.
> Private fast Boat Aprox €20/paxPros: Private tour for up to a group of 8 depending on boat sizes and be shown the home of the stars and the beautiful villas.
> Sea-plane Aprox €150/2pax
Have not gotten the chance to explore this avenue but to organize, you have to email the aeroclub for reservations and pricing.Click here for latest ABBA details on Aero Club Como
Have not gotten the chance to explore this avenue but to organize, you have to email the aeroclub for reservations and pricing.Click here for latest ABBA details on Aero Club Como
Bellagio
(Lake Como)
Getting From Como To Bellagio (Via Bus)
Getting From Como To Bellagio (Via Bus)
-
Bus C30 (or whichever instructed from bus station) from Como station to
Belagio.
*bus
ride was relatively comfortable, winding through undulating hills and tight
paths. Unblocked photography opportunities not as frequent due to high growing
shrubby and tree line.*
Click here for ABBA location of getting Bus tickets and getting to the bus station.
Click here for ABBA location of getting Bus tickets and getting to the bus station.
Approximately €3 and 1hr
journey
People
watch and soak in the sights as the occasional seaplane does a fly-by and
touchdown.
Return journey to Como
Vellagio -> Como
(Scenic Route Back Via Boat)
Bellagio
is the more commercialized of the two township. It houses lots of boutique
shops and bistros, lining either side of the walkways. An incredibly rustic
township with open villas, dining, framed by glistening waters and snow-capped
mountains.
ABBAPoint:
- Boat featured pictured right above. For €20 Euro you can get a boat ride to view stars of the homes and a guided tour of the beautiful villas.
- Alternatively, for €300, have the boat take you all the way back to Como.
ABBAPoint:
- Boat featured pictured right above. For €20 Euro you can get a boat ride to view stars of the homes and a guided tour of the beautiful villas.
- Alternatively, for €300, have the boat take you all the way back to Como.
People
watch and soak in the sights as the occasional seaplane does a fly-by and
touchdown.
Varenna(Lake Como)
Getting from Bellagio To Varenna (Via Boat)
Getting from Bellagio To Varenna (Via Boat)
Boating schedules are available from the board as well as ticket station.
- Approximately 15mins at €4
Varenna is a smaller township, with narrow side walks and cobble stone paths. Very quaint
township, and framed in the same natural splendor of lake Como.
Return journey to Como
Vellagio -> Como
(Scenic Route Back Via Boat)
*Boat is the way to get beautiful pictures of lake Como, the various villas as well as the surrounding alps. However, a long journey on boat may result in sea sickness due to the heavy rocking upon docking as each of the various stops.*
ABBATip:
- Be aware that not all, boat scheduled service can bring you all the way back to COMO and the wait in between maybe an hour apart.
- Sitting at the back of the boat or more centered, as well being on the lower deck, greatly reduces the chances of motion sickness. It does sway quite violently on the upper deck.
- Be aware that not all, boat scheduled service can bring you all the way back to COMO and the wait in between maybe an hour apart.
- Sitting at the back of the boat or more centered, as well being on the lower deck, greatly reduces the chances of motion sickness. It does sway quite violently on the upper deck.
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