Spritz and Pizza and Gelato, Oh My

Milan with a quick trip to Switzerland

Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

We spent three weeks in Milan. We took a few days to settle in and get some extra sleep after being on the go for a few days. Like most places we’ve stayed for a longer period of time we settled in a non touristy neighborhood called Isola. The neighborhood is a graffiti covered area of tiny streets filled with boutiques, cafes, courtyards, a few dive bars and gelato shops.

Afternoon Spritz

There were three or four bars on the street below our apartment. We could often be found there enjoying an Aperol Spritz or simply Spritz as they call it in Milan. We were on the fourth floor and our bedroom was in the back so we didn’t hear noise from the revelry below despite the cafes being open until 2:00 am.

The food in Milan was so good. The pizza was the best I’ve ever had and I tried to eat as much as possible. It’s wise to wear elastic waist clothing in Italy.

On our first adventure out we explored the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano. It is one of the two largest cemeteries in Milan and covers 62 acres. It’s known for the abundance of tombs and monuments. It officially opened in 1866 and is filled with a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures as well as Greek temples and elaborate obelisks.

Tombs in Cimiterio Monumentale di Milano

The cemetery is a remarkable place filled with beauty. The statuary expresses loss and sadness. The grounds are gardenlike and it was easy to spend hours there and not see it all. Afterward we went for gelato.

St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria by Gentile Bellini and Giovanni Bellini at Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is an art museum which also houses a library. The museum contains one of the foremost collections of Italian paintings in the world. It opened in 1809 and in the entrance courtyard there is a statue of Napolean Bonaparte. Napolean is credited with the creation of the museum, he wanted to house a collection of paintings captured in military campaigns throughout Italy in Milan.

Painting of the Empress Maria Teresa of Austria by Agostino Comerio

The Biblioteca Braidense is housed in the Pinacoteca. Empress Maria Teresa, from Austria, proposed the public library and her portrait is hung on the far wall of the entrance. The crystal chandelier was created with remnants of assorted chandeliers destroyed by the bombing of Milan in the Second World War. The Library contains 1.5 million books that are both ancient and modern. I tried to find out the age of the oldest book but the staff member did not speak English and I don’t speak Italian so that was that. I inquired at the information desk but they had no idea. Afterward we went for gelato.

Duomo di Milano

The construction of the Milan Catherdal began in 1386 and took six centuries to complete with the final details completed in 1965. The French Gothic style building is the largest cathedral in Italy and contains more than 9,000 statues. We were able to tour the Cathedral as well as go to the top to see the the view of the city through the spires and the Swiss Alps in the distance. It’s impressive to say the least.

The Travelers at the Top of the Cathedral

Juxtaposition is everywhere in Milan. This photograph is a perfect example of the mix of old with new that seems to dominate the city. Afterward we went for gelato.

A Sampling of Spires across the Top of the Duomo

Lake Como

On one of our last days in Milan we took a trip to Lake Como and Lugano, Switzerland. It was a gray day but with the exception of a minute or two of sprinkles it was dry. Lake Como was breathtakingly beautiful even on a cloudy day.

Lake Como

The Town of Bellagio on Lake Como

We took a water taxi to Bellagio for lunch. It’s a storybook town with a few steep hills. Aaron only rolled his eyes once. There were a few seaplanes that came and went while we were there and I’m guessing that’s the best way to get in and out. Lake Como would be a great and expensive place to spend a few days if you’re ever in the neighborhood. Afterward we went for gelato.

That same day we continued on for a quick stop in Lugano, Switzerland. Lugano is only about an hour away from Lake Como and gave us additional views of the Lower Alps. Lugano is located on Lugano Lake. It’s a pretty little town. There is a finacial district and a number of designer shops but it’s also filled with gardens, plazas and a promenade along the lake.

Santa Maria degli Angioli Church

After strolling through town looking for a shop to purchase some of that famous Swiss chocolate we walked to the Saint Maira church. The church was built between 1499 and 1515. The walls of the church bear several frescoes by Luigi Bernadino. There was a woman at the church who informed us Bernadino was a student of Michelangelo.

Fountain in Lugano

I can’t believe it but I didn’t take one photo of the Alps in Lugano but we enjoyed our brief visit. Afterward we ate Swiss chocolate.

Next up are quick trips to Amsterdam and Dublin and then home on the 29th. We have lots of people to see and will work in just as much fun and visiting as we can!