What to do in Milan

Tour of Milan, a city worth visiting…
Those who are lucky enough to enter the sacred refectory (attached to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie)…

Milano… Leonardo da Vinci

Those lucky enough to enter the sacred refectory (attached to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie).

Have 15 minutes to examine the expressions of consternation, hostility and despair on the faces of the disciples.

Jjust as Jesus reveals his impending betrayal.

Thanks to Leonardo’s experimental technique,the fresco is notoriously flaky.

This does not detract from the experience of seeing it in “flesh and blood”.

Admire the view from the roof of the

 Duomo

With 500 years in the making, the pointed Gothic cathedral that is the Duomo has been compared to a wedding cake and a “hedgehog”.

Its impressive interior contains some magnificent treasures, but for a truly breathtaking experience.

Climb the 150 steps (or take the elevator) to the roof.

THEATER SCALA MILANO

A bit of culture at La Scala theatre

Typically Milanese, the understated neoclassical facade of La Scala.

It’ the world’s most famous opera house, belies its opulent interior – with acres of red velvet and gilded balconies.

Milano – Ride (and dine) on a streetcar

Synonymous with the city and a piece of living history, the original yellow and orange Milanese streetcars of the 1920s and ’50s have painted wooden seats and iconic fluted glass lampshades.

Today, the city’s rolling stock also includes models from the 1970s and the new dark green “caterpillars.”

But for a taste of the original version, climb aboard the Number 1, taking in some of Milan’s most iconic landmarks.

Step into a time capsule at Villa Necchi Campiglio.

Far from the maddening crowds of Milan’s busy streets, the beautifully preserved 1930s

Villa Necchi Campiglio transports visitors to another world – where glamour, good manners and immaculate taste reigned supreme.

The backdrop for the 2010 film “I am Love”, starring Tilda Swinton.

The house contains original 1930s furniture by architect Piero Portaluppi and closets still filled with fabulous clothes signed by the former owners.

Milano – Visit some classic art galleries….

Thanks in part to Napoleon, who dumped much of his northern Italian loot here, the Pinacoteca di Brera.

It contains one of the most important art collections in Italy.

Treasures include Mantegna’s eerily realistic Dead Christ and Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus. Milan’s oldest galleries may have existed for centuries.

But these days they have rivals in the form of the Museo del Novecento and Gallerie d’Italia – both of which opened in 2010.

As the name suggests, the Museo del Novecento houses Italian and international artworks of the 20th century, from Modigliani to Matisse.

The Gallerie d’Italia, which is free and owned by the bank, displays masterpieces by Canova and Hayez in a sumptuous series of frescoed palaces, opposite the Teatro alla Scala.

Store in style at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan

A tour of Milan will have you shopping in the gallery.

With its glass and iron dome, magnificent mosaics and marble floors.

Among the suerivendicazioni of fame is the first Prada store on the planet, here since 1913. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani – and more recently Versace – all have a presence.

Stepping into the crowd at 10 Corso Como in Milan

Since opening in 1990 in a converted garage, the whimsical fashion and design emporium that is 10 Corso Como.

With bookstore, café, restaurant, B&B and gallery – has become an essential reference point for anyone with the vaguest interest in the fashion industry.

Lunch with the locals at Luini’s

You’ll know you’re entering Luini’s land when you see the crowd of young people huddled in the doorways of a side street next to the Duomo, clutching greasy paper bags.

Find Something Valuable in the Golden Rectangle.

With clothes by Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Versace, it’s no wonder Milan’s high-fashion shopping district.

It is known as the Quadrilatero della Moda – the Golden Rectangle.

Milano… navigate the Navigli

A network of canals, partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, once stretched throughout Milan

A welcome alternative to the more elegant style associated with the fashion-obsessed center…

As well as bohemian canals are lined with outdoor cafes, vintage stores and an occasional gallery.

A popular antiques market is held on the Naviglio Grande on the last Sunday of each month.