| Sightseeing
in Milan offers you many choices. The Duomo, is the second
largest church in Italy and third largest in the world. The largest collection
of marble statues in the world is located in Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.
The Cathedral is also the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral. During a bright
sunny day, the windows create a kaleidoscope of color throughout the cavernous
interior. The Cathedral’s most important benefactor, St. Charles borromeo,
is buried at its heart. During May and September of every year, a nail
from the cross of Christ, displayed over the alter since 1461, is brought
down by the bishop.
The Teatro
alla Scala hosts Milan’s important operas.
The Castello
Sforzesco and the Basilica of Sant`Ambrogio are also highly visited attractions,
as each lends a glimpse of Milan’s historic culture.
The
Biblioteca Ambrosiana holds drawings and notebooks from Leonardo da Vinci
and remains one of the main holders of European culture. The Church of
Santa Maria delle Grazi also holds works from da Vinci. The Last Supper
can be found on display here.
The civica
galleria d`Arte Moderna, or Modern Art Gallery, holds collections by Bonnard,
Ce`zanne, Corot, Renoir and Vuillard, to name a few. There are also many
works by Umberto Boccioni, one of the founders of Futurism.
The
Brera Picture Gallery was opened by Napoleon, whose statue now stands in
its courtyard. the Gallery was formerly a Jesuit Academy of Science. Works
on display include the lyrical Pieta` by Giovanni Bellini, which depicts
the death of Christ, and the Baroque masterpiece Caravaggio’s Supper at
Emmaus which stages the New Testament in a pool of light.
The Museum
of Historic Art of the Sforza Castle is a 15th century castle on the edge
of the Parco Sempione. Michelangelo’s last work can be found here. The
Pieta` Rondanina pictures the Virgin cradling the body of Christ. The museum
retained this piece in 1952.
There
are, of course, many more sightseeing stops in Milan.
These are simply the most popular and most visited. You can check with
the Milan tourist office for a complete listing of attractions
and sightseeing venues while staying in Milan.
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