We arrived in Milan on Friday. We were pleasantly surprised to find that our room overlooked a rooftop garden that provides fresh produce for the hotel restaurant.

Garden outside our window

And as we were riding into the city from the train station we wondered why there were so many men wearing hats with feathers. Perhaps they were part of a conference? We were soon to learn that 600,000 visitors – yes, 600,000 – largely veterans and a few active army – had come to Milan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Alpine Mountain Division of the Italian Army (the Alipini) ! Feathered hats everywhere! They were so friendly and our guide told us they are real representatives of Italy- they are very beloved and veterans continue to provide service to Italy in such disasters as earthquakes! Much drinking, and many bands, songs, dances, and parades throughout the weekend!

The Alpini singing at the entrance of the Opera House (Teatro Alla Scala)

 

Visited the Duomo… third largest in Europe after St. Peter’s and Seville, Spain. An incredible cathedral!

I love the juxtaposition of this photo…

We had a very special treat to be able to view DaVinci’s Last Supper. Apparently several million people try to get tickets each year to view it, but only 400,000 are able to get in for the viewing. Both Keith and I were in total awe of the Last Supper! I thought it was a regular painting when in fact it is a wall painting that was in a monastic refectory with figures bigger than life size. As our guide discussed, the monks ate their meals looking into the eyes of Jesus and the apostles. The refectory was bombed during WWII by the British… the walls collapsed but the wall painting miraculously stood! DaVinci innovated with a new technique to be able to show more emotion in the faces of the apostles and Jesus, and more 3-D depth in the painting itself… beyond words…. awe inspiring and very emotional!

Toured San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore with incredible frescoes on the walls and ceilings. The front part of the church was for the public, while the back part was for the nuns in the monastery that could not be seen by any outsiders. Fortunately, the nuns were surrounded by the same beautiful art as those parishioners in the front church.

Front church at San Maurizio

Back church for nuns

Sunday we toured the Teatro Alla Scala (Opera House), regarded as one of the world’s leading opera and ballet theaters. Our local guide, Francesca, is passionate about La Scala, so the tour was amazing! Inaugurated in 1778 it has been through many iterations, including a rebuilding after bombings in WWII.  Names closely associated with La Scala include Verdi, Toscanini, Marie Callas, and many more!

Six stories of box seats- seats of the king and queen are on the bottom right. La Scala also has 3 separate stages that can raised and lowered so that a new set can be installed within an hour or so… Classical tradition along with many high tech features.

We also toured the wonderful Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Art Museum with original etchings by Da Vinci, a life size “cartoon” by Rafael, and works by many greats. Again, our local guide added to the pleasure with her passion for the art.

Sacred Family, Bernardino Luini, early 16th century

A couple final shots from the design capital Milano, with so many posters and amazing window displays.

Take me anywhere…

Keith’s new designer frames made in Milano… he broke his reading glasses and we met a wonderful young optician, Luca, who found frames that fit his lenses… 😎

Ciao… headed to Lake Como tomorrow!