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In Italy, historical sites such as the Duomo are a must see in Milan.
 Duomo Milan |
HIGHLIGHT: DUOMO
In Milan, historical sites such as Il Duomo are a must see. Erected in 1385 with its completion in 1965, more than 600 years of labor went in to completing this Gothic cathedral, which is one of the largest in the world. Inside the walls of this marble structure you will find 52 tall columns which bear sculptured figures and stained glass windows. Finishing touches were done in 1813 when Napoleon ruled Italy. On top of highest spire is 13 foot guilded statue of the Madonnina the city's patron since 1774.
One of the noteworthy statues is of St Bartholomew which depicts the saint carrying his own skin. The corner of the south transept, near the Medeci tomb is where you'll find the access for the roof of the Cathedral which offers a breathtaking view of Milan. Although the entrance to the cathedral is free, it is worth paying a few extra euros to ride the elevator to the top and receive a free ticket to the Museo del Duomo.
The interiors of this grand cathedral are simply magnificent.
 Teatro a la Scala Milan |
HIGHLIGHT: TEATRO A LA SCALA
Milans’ opera house was inaugurated in 1788 with an opera by Antonio Salieri, the arch rival of Mozart. Teatro Alla Scala later saw the premieres of most of the 19th century classics of Italian opera such as Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Puccini. It is said that the uprising against the Austrian presence started with a performance of Verdi's Norma in 1859.
However it is Arturo Toscanini who made this the major opera house of the world when he became its artistic director in 1898. Teatro Alla Scala was bombed in 1943 and reopened to its original grandeur in 1946 under the baton of the same Arturo Toscanini.
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