MILAN
July 18, 2002
Milan is a very busy city - a centre of fashion, commerce, finance and industry.
Our tour began at the Piazza del Duomo. This is a very spacious square. The huge cathedral dominates the piazza. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1386 and continued for 500 years. It is a giant church with spires and gargoyles, considered to be one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. There are over 3000 statues situtated inside and outside the cathedral . One web site quoted 3600 statues (including statues on the spires outside).
photo - Piazza del Duomo (the Duomo and monument to Vittorio Emanuelle)
photo - some of the spires of the Duomo
photo - altar
photo - stained glass windows
photo - another window
The Piazza is a very busy place - the Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele are two buildings on this square. The 19th century glass enclosed mall is a work of art - domed glass roof, paintings and mosaic tiled floor. It is home to Milan's most expensive stores and restaurants. The Galleria is a very unique shopping arcade.
photo - inside the Galleria - the domed roof
photo - larger view of the Galleria inside
photo - Piazza del Duomo: the Galleria, monument to Vittorio Emanuele (centre) and the Cathedral (right)
photo - monument to Vittorio Emanuele (the king on his horse) in the centre of the square
Leonardo da Vinci
Just outside one of the Galleria doors is the La Scala with a monument to Leonardo da Vinci in front of the famous opera house. La Scala opened in 1778.
Photo - the opera house
The countryside from Milan to Pisa is very hilly. The road through the hills of Tuscany rises then drops down to the rivers. There are many bridges to cross.
photo - hills of Tuscany
photo - a long bridge
INDEX - tour of Italy