Don't Forget Milan

Milan's Fortress, Frescoes and Fashion

Amazing Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

The Grand Fortress - Sforza Castle

In the ultimately sophisticated city of Milan there is so much to see. There is the famed architecture of the internationally renowned Duomo, - but also leading into the centre of the city and towards the cathedral, there is the breathtaking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. In a strictly terminological sense this could be considered one of the world’s first shopping malls -  although the soaring dignity and architectural magnificence of this four storey gallery make it less than reasonable to trivialise it in such a way. The Galleria draws together the four points of the compass under high glassed ceilings, creating a sheltered crucifix-shaped tunnel which leads out into all directions of Milan.

The internal walls of the Galleria are decorated in friezes depicting stories of nineteenth century life in Milan. These friezes are a feature of Milan which have been inserted everywhere from grand arcades such as the Galleria, to simple back street alleys where grandeur is far from expected. Carefully preserved and maintained, these frescoes subtly interplay with the relief of the ancient facades as they revel in their decorative grandeur.

Heading east from the Duomo which is in all respects the heart of Milan, there is a processional pathway through the streets leading to the Grand Fortress with its brick fortifications, its corner towers and its expanses of defensive walls. This is Sforza Castle - once the fortified stronghold of Milan. Today it is an open fortress, its drawbridge now gone but its steel gates, its defensive ramparts and its fortifications still intact. As you exit the castle grounds to the east, the imposing brickwork gives way to the contrasts of a vast park with expanses of tree lined boulevards and lawns, providing a green haven right in the heart of Milan.

Finally it has to be said, there is nothing more noticeable in Milan than the style and the fashion which surrounds you everywhere. Women dress well. Old and young, they dress to be seen. However the men are not to be outdone. In Milan you will see the best of suits, the most sophisticated of understated styles, the perfect cut, exquisite styling tailored to perfection. Only the tourists fail to meet the high standards that the Milanese set for the world.

Parco Sempione

See also:

www.unusualstays.com ( A New Zealand rundown of unique places to stay)

pippy.mccurdy@gmail.com