We were travelling to the city after spending a few days relaxing on Lake Como.  There are direct trains from the local stations around Como and the journey is fast and direct.

Our first port of call was the Duomo di Milano, which you cannot fail to gape at when you enter from any side of the central Piazza.  I wasn’t sure anything could top The Vatican but the Duomo manages.

You might not have quite the same chance of spotting the Pope as you might at St Peter’s Basilica, but you’ll just have to get over that particular disappointment.

My Mum often told me that Rome wasn’t built in a day and this is further proof that the Italians are not ones for rushing into hastily constructed buildings. Fair play to them, though, because there isn’t a part of the Duomo that fails to impress.  It really is incredible.

The Duomo is the second largest church in Italy and 5^thin the world.  In addition to this, it also boats the largest organ in Italy with a staggering 225 pipes, which was built at the request of Mussolini.  I always thought of him more as a trumpet man, but there you go.

Entry to the Duomo is free, but you need a ticket to access the roof. The price might seem a little high at first glance, but getting up close to the intricate facades of the building and the views afforded across the city are worth every Euro.

There is also a museum dedicated to the Duomo, located in nearby Piazza Reale. This shows a collection of works associated with the cathedral and is worth visiting if you’re interested in finding out more about its history.

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Szforza Castle

Szforza Castle was originally built in the 15^thCentury and has been expanded over the years.  Sitting on a 14^th Century fortification, it now hosts a number of the city’s important historical museums and artworks.

The Castle is set next to the ancient city walls of Milan and you do not have to pay to enter the courtyard and admire the buildings. There are charges in place for some of the museums, though.  However, since you’re in Italy, you can guarantee that you’ll end up surrounded by works of some of the finest artists in history. Who could argue with Tintoretto, Canaletto and Michelangelo?  They also have manuscripts by some bloke called Leonardo da Vinci.

On Via Filodrammatici sits the leading Italian Opera House and world famous venue, Teatro alla Scala.  La Scala has a long and diverse history and has welcomed many of the world’s leading singers and composers.  You can purchase tickets for performances via their website, but do bear in mind that, depending what’s on, these can be quite pricey.

If you don’t fancy sitting through an operatic performance, you can visit La Scala’s on-site museum.  This displays collections of costumes, painting and sculptures which detail the history of the Teatro, as well as Opera in general.  AND you won’t have to listen to any high pitched singing.

La Scala underwent a major transformation from 2004-2006 and then an unfortunate period of infighting between leading members of staff. They all seem to be speaking now, though.  No doubt they talked their problems out over an espresso and some panettone.

On the evening I visited, it was rainy and wet. That didn’t stop there being a long line of smartly dressed Italians, patiently waiting to enter. I felt slightly undressed and made a quick exit…

Connecting the Piazza del Duomo to the Piazza della Scala is the wonderful Galleria Vittoria Emmanuel 11.  This is one of the world’s oldest shopping centres. It’s entirely covered with cast iron and a glass roof which covers the street between the two main squares.

I’m not a fan of shopping because I have no patience. However, it’s well worth the frustration of being stuck behind glamorous ladies with tiny Chihuahuas and numerous Prada shopping bags, just to stand in the middle of the passageway. From here, you can have a look at the four mosaics displaying the coats of arms of the capitals of the old Italian kingdom.

Tradition dictates that you should spin around three times on your heels. You must do this on the testicles of the Bull depicted in Turin’s coat or arms. This will bring you good luck! It seems that this popular practice as the bull now has a hole where his balls used to be.

I didn’t try it myself but do let me know how you get on.  I’d like photographic evidence if you don’t mind.

Museu del Novecentro

Across the Piazza from the Duomo is the Museo del Novecentro. There was an Andy Warhol exhibition on when we were in tow, so we popped in.

The gallery is in a beautiful building, which is used to permanently house works by twentieth-century artists. It boasts the country’s widest collection of homegrown and international art.  Del Novecentro also has a Café (with views of the Piazza) and a bookshop.

The Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci

The Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci is another great stop in Milan.  It’s absolutely massive inside and out. Visitors could easily spend a day learning about transport, energy, space, science and LdV.

There are interactive displays and the fabulous original Da Vinci sketches and drawings. Due to this, you could easily miss the fact there’s a while war arsenal out back. Seriously, there’s a full submarine parked outside.  In addition to this, there are various planes, Spitfires and all manner of locomotives.

It’s a really impressive museum and its all-encompassing nature ensures that there’s something for everyone.

Stuff your metro…surely THIS is the way to travel around Milan??