As part of a 10-day tour, we had a long lunch stop at Milan on day 3. Arriving at Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) late morning, we were able to see a few things at the Square, with enough time for a good lunch.
This Square, one of the most visited in the world, actually has a number of the city’s most important buildings already so it’s fine to just look around here when on a time gun (and not attempt to go very far).
The grandest sight in the Square is the Duomo di Milano (the cathedral church of Milan). Dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity, it is the third largest church in Europe and 5th largest in the world. People can actually go up to the roof of the Duomo for a fee. People inside the church might also be able to catch the display of one of the nails used in Jesus’ crucifixion every year on the Saturday closest to September 14 (when not in display, it is placed above the altar marked by a red light bulb). Lines to go in are long so go early!
We also did a bit of shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall named after Victor Emmanuel II (the first king of the Kingdom of Italy). It’s right next to the cathedral.
The only Starbucks in Italy is in Milan just a short walk away from the Duomo. With Italy being a land of die hard coffee drinkers, there were mixed reactions when Starbucks opened. But with the long lines, it looks like it’s doing quite well!
The Palazzo Reale di Milano (Royal Palace of Milan) is just a short walk away from the Duomo. Formerly the seat of power and official residence of past Dukes and military leaders (including Napoleon Bonaparte), it is now a cultural centre where exhibitions take place.
Palazzo Carminati is the palace facing the Duomo from the opposite side. It was named after a renowned café called Carminati and was known for a time for huge neon advertising signs on it (til those were taken down in 1999).
Palazzo dei Portici Settentrionali (Royal Palace of Portici) are 2 buildings mirroring each other from opposite sides (north and south of the Square), with one connected to the Galleria and the other just standing on its own near the symmetrical buildings of the Palazzo dell’ Arengario.
The Palazzo dell’ Arengario houses the Museo del Novecento (a museum dedicated to 20th century art).
There’s also the monument of King Victor Emmanuel II right in the middle of the Square where he is shown seated on a horse.
For lunch, my tour group ate at one of the many pizzerias inside the Galleria. It was the first time I learned that a pizza served in Italy is a full meal good for one person (we were not encouraged to share one. In fact, the pizzas had no slices. This is unusual for Filipinos who love to share).
While waiting for the bus pickup, we also made it a point to appreciate the local transport system and also engage with the hordes of very healthy pigeons that were all over the Square.
All in all, a good lunch break with great people is always part of wonderful experience!
See the story on the next stop in Venice here or see the full 10-day tour schedule here.
