A walk in Milan
When I knew I was going to Genova, I quickly looked at the map and realised I really wasn’t far from Milan. I have been to Milan quite a few times, but not in the last couple of years and was really looking forward to it.
After a 90-minute drive, my friend and PR-guru Lynsey Devon and I arrived at the city centre on a beautiful sunny day. Ciao, Milano!
Ciao Milano! Our first glimpse of the Piazza del Duomo
When I was in Girona earlier this year, I met one of the founders of Walks of Italy, who kindly invited me to walk with them next time I was in this fabulous country.
I thought that the day we had in town would be perfect opportunity and my friend Lynsey and I were really looking forward to spending 2h30m with Serena, our private guide. We were due to visit the Duomo, the Galeria Vittorio Emmanuelle and the epic La Scala – perfect, because I had never really seen these landmarks as the queues always put me off. Not a problem if you go with a Walks of Italy guide!
The ultimate tourist photo at Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Despite the big hair (don’t laugh, we had a really early start, after another long night out!), and the crowds, we found the lovely Serena, just by one of the Duomo doors. After a quick introduction, we were told a lot about the history of this incredible building which is now “almost” restored. I particularly liked the bronze doors, which were only added in the 1950s.
Duomo door detail
We quickly entered the Duomo (Mrs. O loves the concept of no queues, yes) and were lucky that a mass was being held. There is something about Mass in Italian – it was very moving. We were also quite impressed by the technology used – large screens, slide shows, the lot. It is a large building and I suppose it makes sense.
I loved the candles
I was raised Catholic and one thing I always do when I go to a church is to light a candle. I don’t think (or at least I can’t recall) seeing so many candles in one place. I loved it. We were told that different areas where for different “wishes”, so Lynsey and I took no chances – we wanted health for ourselves and our loved ones, and also love and others things. So we lit a few.
Lighting a candle
From the main part of the church, we were shown the archeological site which sits below the Duomo. Other churches had been built there before, and they were found in the 1960s when the works for the metro began. It was time to see some sunlight and get to the roof!
Piazza del Duomo as seen from the rooftop
To get to the rooftop, you can either walk (no, thank you!) or take a lift. There is only one lift and this can take quite a bit.. it was better to wait a little bit than the alternative 
Lynsey and I at the top of the Duomo (no idea who the guy is)
From the Duomo, we headed to the Galeria Vittorio Emmanuele. It was painful to see the rooftop bar at La Rinascente department store and knowing I didn’t have enough time to visit. Or see Tod’s and all the other shops I loved and not being able to help the local economy. These are first world problems, indeed.
I love the Galeria. It is, of course, one of Milan’s landmarks and I can’t get enough of it.
Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle – love the ceiling
Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle – always busy
You may have heard about my love for shoes. I tried to sneek into Prada, but Lynsey dragged me out – I just wanted to ‘have a look’. However, as I did the walk of shame, I noticed that my shoes matched the floor (boys, stop reading – only girls will understand this). I am really into bordeaux this season and this was a happy coincidence.
Matching colours…(no jokes allowed about the size of my shoes)
From here, we walked to the fabulous La Scala theatre. I had visions of myself attending a white-tie event here – I would really like to do it one day.
La Scala Opera House
I know we were not supposed to take photographs inside, but I couldn’t resist. The chandeliers at the foyer (no champagne being served, sadly) were incredible, and so was the theatre itself. I promise I will go back one day.
Loved the chandeliers at La Scala
La Scala – no words needed here
We couldn’t believe how quickly time had gone. We were due to meet my lovely friend Clara for lunch at the nearby super fab Excelsior. Getting there is worthy of a blog post alone, so watch out for it.
Some people think Milan is grey and industrial, but I am a believer that it can be a fantastic city break even if you are not into shopping (that would be a totally different story). This little taster really made me want to go back, and spend some quality time in this city, which I hope to be able to do in 2013.
Ciao!
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: Lynsey and I were guests of Walks of Italy and went on one of the many private walking tours offered by this operator. Views and photos are, of course, and as always, my own.
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It’s nice to see someone writing nice things about Milan for a change, especially since I read another article just this morning about why people should skip the city. I think, like much of travel, it’s all subjective, but Milan is still worth a visit. I did get to visit the places you mentioned, but I also got to stop in the flagship Prada store and had lunch at La Rinascente. Even on an overcast day, it’s a beautiful view!
Alison recently posted..The Principle of the Pecan
Hi Alison, thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to comment. I confess it took me a couple of visits to like the city more, but it has defintely grown on me. And how stylish are the Milanese? Worth for people watching alone!
I have no idea how Milan has escaped me so far… I need to go there next time I’m in Italy! Piazza del Duomo looks amazing.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Love padlocks in Seville
It’s amazing and one of those real landmarks. And don’t get me started on the shopping!
I must light a candle in every church I visit, too
Looks like you had a lovely walk. I haven’t been to Milan yet and I’ve kept it off my Italian itineraries for the same reasons you state, but maybe I’ll need to rethink that…
Francesca recently posted..Longing for Istanbul
It is worth it, promise! Maybe if you have a trip to Italy planned, fly into or out of Milan! I love the candle lighting. Always makes me feel better
Looks like going with Walks of Italy is the way to go. I love the candle photos.
John recently posted..A Desert In The Rocky Mountains – Great Sand Dunes National Park
Thank you, John!
Beautiful photos…a visit to the Duomo is high on my list…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Parade of Homes – Pebble Beach Style
It is stunning and worth it!
I enjoyed a night in Milano and got to hear Mass at the cathedral. I also got to visit the Galleria (impressive!) but the Scala was closed that afternoon. Milano was OK but nothing like Roma, Venezia and other places in Italy. Plenty of wonderful towns in Italia to explore!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Visiting a “Secondary” Town – the Cultural Capital of Romania: Iaşi (Iasi)
I know, but most people think Milan is grey and ugly and it is not the case. I quite like it
I do see a little side trip to Milan in my future. I’m flying into Milan from Prague…may have to spend the night just for kicks. This looks spectacular, and I love your photos.
Leah Travels recently posted..Dublin’s Haunted History
If you have a couple of hours, you can see a fair bit, as this are is quite self-contained. Seriously, in a morning or afternoon you can see what we saw. And maybe buy a pair of shoes, or three!
Milan is not an easy city to get to know but after many visits, it is now one of my favourites. I love wandering around the Brera and further afield. The shopping is the best..my favourite store in the world is in Corso Como!…great shoes!!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..New York’s Grand Central Station
it kind of growns on you, you are right. And having this little taster makes me want to go back for more!!
I love all your detail shots!
Emily in Chile recently posted..The casa particular: where to stay in Cuba
Thank you, Emily!
Bahhh I miss Italy! Walking through the Piazza and Galleria was one of my faves from Milan. Great photos!
Kieu recently posted..Kyoto Temples in Brown, Orange and Gold
Thank you, Kieu
i spent some time in Milan a long time ago. i really didn’t care for it for the reasons you listed. i’m sure with the help of Walks of Italy i could learn to LOVE it though. your photos are gorgeous!
lola recently posted..Top Romantic European Destinations
These are great Milanese landmarks, for everyone to enjoy! You will love it, promise!
Morning Ana, happy to read that you like Milano!
My favorite area is between Corso Como and the Duomo, passing by Brera and Via Mercato. So many pretty houses and courtyards. And great restaurants, some of which are surprisingly not to be found in any travel guide!!
Best, Miret
I look forward to your suggestions when we are next in town!
Will be happy to suggest places
In the meanwhile, here are some B&W pics I took the last time I was there (Oct 11-15): http://flaneriefeminine.com/2012/10/14/milan-in-black-white/
Miret recently posted..Getting in the mood for Paris
These are lovely, thank you!!
thanks for the candle!!! xxxx
I did think of you
as I do every day, wherever I am! Miss you xx
Wow — Milan looks beautiful. Been around Italy, but not Milan yet. We really need to visit there!
Debbie recently posted..Photo Of The Week: A Lion Playing In A Tree
It’s totally worth it, Debbie! Thank you for stopping by!
Wow! Some beautiful pictures! I really need to see Milan. I love Italy, but have only done Rome and Venice.
The World Wanderer recently posted..Sunrise at Dune 45: Photo Essay.
Absolutely worth it, promise! And don’t get me started on the shopping!
I hate it when you’re forbidden to take photos. I always try to sneak one or two.
Funny I’m just writing about a walking tour of Porto. Well, I should be but I’m reading this! The Galeria looks fantastic.
Johanna Bradley recently posted..Six word Saturday
I know
and used to be difficult.. nowadays not to much 
I want to read about Porto 
Ahh beautiful Italy
Great post and pics as always!
Graham GlobalGrasshopper recently posted..The best European winter destinations for travel snobs
There is something about this place, isn’t there? Love it! And thank you for your kind words!
A super insight into Milan – now I have to add this to my ever-growing ‘places to visit in Italy’ list!
Suzanne (Travelbunny) recently posted..Going Underground in Istanbul – The Basilica Cistern
Thank you, Suzanne!
Impossible not to love Italy! (As for the candles and churchs, same for me!)
I love it. The more I go, the more I need to, if this makes any sense! Thanks for your comment, muuuuchhh appreciated!
Paula Cristina neto recently posted..Celebrating 2 years of FriFotos
Something about it, isn’t it? I always do it.
I went to Milan recently because of work and was very pleasantly surprised. Like you, I thought that it would be very industrial but found it to be quite charming. And, of course, Lake Cuomo is just a stone’s throw away which is another benefit
I know, wished I had some time – but worth a visit in itself.
What a lovely litle excursion.
So simple but so nice! And loved the weather!
Sounds like a perfect day in Milan. Let us know if you make it to Rome sometime!
Kenny (@RomeFoodTours) recently posted..Best Places for an Aperitif in Rome
Hi Kenny! It was wonderful and we made the most of our limited time in Milan. Looking forward to heading to Rome next year and I will be in touch
Brings back lovely memories Ana, ooh and our lovely lunch after our walk. Missing the lovely weather!
Lynsey recently posted..PLANE V TRAIN – WHICH IS REALLY QUICKER TO THE SLOPES?
It was a lovely day indeed! Ended with a perfect lunch and a mad run to the airport. We need to share our epic adventure with the world!
Beautiful shots! Oh how I miss Italy!!! I love your big hair.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Andi’s Pick: Jardin Escondido
LOL, no laughing about my hair! Wasn’t a good look!