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Duomo, Divas and Design

Milan - for Opera, Design and Culture

Milan is a busy metropolis with a population of over 1.3 million people and is one of the largest cities in Italy.  It is the home of design – with fashion shows and gallerias where you can shop for everything that the heart could possibly desire. It is the home of opera – La Scala is world renowned as the mecca for all true lovers of opera.  The home of the duomo (cathedral) that houses one of the most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci (The Last Supper).

It is a sophisticated city where the Milanese promenade in the evening in the piazzas and gallerias showing off their keen fashion sense for all to admire.  Just sitting in a cafe observing people gives you a sense of their culture.  Design is everything in Italy and fashion is a statement embraced by young and old alike.

Why not combine a short break with a visit to the Opera and go to see” The Last Supper” which has now been restored and has been the centre of much controversy especially since the publication of the Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code – look at the figure on the right of Christ - make up your own mind - is this St. John or is it Mary Magdalene? 

World Leading Fashion

Milan is where Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Gianni Versace have their showrooms and is the home of the famous Milan Fashion Week which takes place annually in the Fair Ground and around the city. Wander around the Montenapoleone district and admire all that the craftsmen of the city have created for your delight. 

The Galleria Vittoria Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo is reputed to be the world’s oldest shopping mall – the building itself is an extravaganza of architectural splendour – this houses the shops of Prada, Hogan, Gucci and YVS. Sip your espresso or glass of chilled white wine and soak up the atmosphere of a city that knows what it has to offer.

At La Scala they are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the death of the legendary diva, Maria Callas, who died on 16th September 1977.  Callas became a legend in her own life time. She came from a very poor background and rose to stardom from her singing and the scandals in her private life which made her world news.

The Teatro alla Scala, to give it its full title, was founded under the auspices of the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and opened in 1778.  It now stages operas and ballets and a visit to this beautiful theatre will bring to life the music of Verdi and Mozart, Donizetti and Bellini.