As some of you know, I took a day trip to Milan yesterday to do some shopping and to visit the Cathedral of Milan. It is the secod largest Catholic cathedral in the world. When you get off the metro in the main piazza, you can be completely overwhelmed by the incredible facade. It's unique Gothic architecture creates a distinctive presence in the square. The spires are very intricately sculpted are quite interesting.
Cathedral
If you are standing facing the cathedral, to the right is the Palazzo Reale, an important seat for government and now it is home to various art exhibitions. We were fortunate to be here to see a Francisco Goya exhibit that was nothing short of being absolutely fabulous. I wish I could have taken photos for you. As master of the grotesque, Goya's works always make an impression. Picasso, Delacroix and Dali were also included in the exhibit.
Stained glass window in the cathedral. They were absolutely gorgeous. I love stained glass rose windows.
To the left of the Cathedral, there is the via Dante and this is a very popular road for shopping. Milan is to Italy what Paris is to France (in my opinion). Famous for Milan fashion week and Roberto Cavalli's new club, Milan offers only the best in fashion. The Gallerria Vittorio Emanuele is an arcade of designer shopping. The mall stretches from the Piazza della Scala (where the Opera house is) all the way the Piazza del Duomo.
Flowers at the Gucci restaurant.
La Scala Opera house was a nice little place to visit. If you have time, you can see a show (we didn't have time). I also walked over to the Pinacoteca di Brera (an art museum) to see their extensive collection. The museum takes great lengths to advertise "The Kiss" by Hayez. Brera is also home to works by Veronese, Caravaggio and Raphael.
La Scala Opera House: We were able to walk in and see Maria Callas' costumes and sit in a grand box for about 2 minutes... lol
Gallerria Vittorio Emanuele Mall
We also saw a confirmation take place. The little kids were all dressed up as angels and little kings and they paraded into the cathedral singing "Ave Maria" and praying the Rosary. It was really a lovely thing to watch in the middle of the day. I think that is what is so amazing about Italy too... I mean, we were in the middle of a business district (Milan reminds me of New York a little bit) and these children are marching through the massive crowds to go to church. A priest and sisters followed them and it was very humbling to witness this in the midst of the grandiosity that is Milan.
A confirmation procession (we think).
MilanPhotos
Love, Brooke.
Posts
I think these may be some of my favorite pictures. The little ones processing toward their first communion was precious! And the ones from the Cathedral of Milan were breathtaking.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Ouiser
PS why can't our "malls" be designed like this one?
Wow, Brooke! I could have sat and just at that cathedral for hours. Absolutely breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteRaina
The Cathedral is stuuunning. Seriously, I'm in a daze just looking at your picture! The flowers outside of the Gucci restaurant made me smile :) as well as the precious children on their way to confirmation!
ReplyDelete