Milan Valentines Day Guide

This Valentines Day, visit Milan, Italy and enjoy the sights and sounds of a romantic city. In what is considered to be one  of the most romantic places throughout the world. You’ll never find a more apt destination this holiday than Milan, and let me tell you a few reasons why.

Bombed and destroyed during World War II, it has since been restored. Milan is also one of the richest city’s in Europe. It is beautiful and holds several historic and artistic attractions, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Last Supper Painting, and the famous La Scala Opera House Those visiting milan will find that it has preserved its romantic culture as well as an ideal place to dine in and shop.

For those looking for an amazing place to dine in Trattoria Toscana di Giovanni is also much recommended. The traditional Milanese dish are risotto alla milanese (a rice dish made with saffron) and cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal). If you’re into modern italian dishes, Milan has tons to offer as well.

Milan’s cultural scene is also thriving with these special places to visit. Opera’s, ballet, concerts and theaters abound in this amazing place. The main theater and concert season starts in October but there are performances in summer, too. Check with hotelwithheart.com for the latest information.

Main Attractions:

- The Duomo is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in Europe. Building began in 1386 and lasted nearly 500 years! Its marble facade is magnificent and its roof has 135 spires and 3200 statues. Inside, the crucifix is said to contain a nail from the cross of Christ. Its piazza is the hub of Milan. There is also a museum. Be sure to climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top for views of Milan and the Duomo’s spires.

- La Scala is a very famous opera house seating over 2000 people. Built in 1778 it has a very opulent interior. You can also visit the museum.

- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a huge glass-roofed shopping arcade lined with expensive shops, bars, and restaurants. Built in 1867, it links the squares of the Duomo and La Scala and has mosaics with the symbols of the cities forming the newly united Italy. Some people consider it good luck to stand on the testicles of the bull of Turin.

- Castello Sforzesco was originally built in the 15th century by the ruling Visconti but was destroyed and rebuilt by the Sforzas soon afterward. It became a museum complex in the 19th century and and is one of Milan’s major landmarks. Santa Maria della Grazie contains Da Vinci’s famous fresco, the Last Supper. Although the building was bombed in 1943, the fresco survived. To visit, it is necessary to book in advance. How to Book Tickets to see The Last Supper.

- National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci is housed in what was once a 16th century monastary . The museum has a vast collection showing the history of science and technology starting from Leonardo da Vinci’s machines.

- Sant’Ambrogio is the fourth-century church of Milan’s patron saint. Inside are many relics, carvings, and mosaics.

- Pinacoteca di Brera, originally started by Napolean, is Milan’s most prestigious art gallery. It holds a huge collection of over 600 works in 40 rooms.

- Milan makes a convenient base for day trips to the Lakes, Pavia, and the hill town of Bergamo.

(source: goitaly.about.com)

Milan has preserved all of it’s loveliness all throughout these years and with wonderful places to visit, you’ll miss half of your life if you miss visiting Milan this summer.