Italy (12) - Milan's Duomo

Day 13
I wish I had planned to stay at least one more day in Venice. I totally underestimated the size of Venice, and had to leave for Milan today when we had barely seen Venice. We arrived in Milan around noon, checked into our hotel. This is the only hotel on this trip that has an elevator, although it's about the size of a telephone booth. It won't fit anything more than two people with two carry on luggage.

Milan is famous for its Duomo. It was an incredible first sight. The outside is so ornate. There are so many figurines on spires all around the cathedral, It is unbelievable, definitely one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. We were really impressed.

1. Milan's Duomo.


2. Milan's Duomo.


3. Milan's Duomo.


The inside is nice but not as much as the outside. The stained glasses are beautiful. High above the altar, you can see a red light, supposedly marks the position of a niche that holds the Holy Nail.

For 5 euros/person, you could climb the stairs (~200 steps) to the roof. It was an impressive sight of Milan with snow capped mountains in the background. Walking through the spires on the roof and hanging out was a very memorable experience.

4. From Duomo's roof.


5. From Duomo's roof.


6. From Duomo's roof.


7. From Duomo's roof. 12 giant pink snails had been placed in the Piazza Duomo temporarily. They were meant to let people know that: “speed isn’t always a virtue” and slowing down to enjoy the beauty of the city can be quite refreshing.


8. From Duomo's roof.


9. One more look at Milan's Duomo.


10. Next to Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built between 1865 and 1877, it's the ancestor of modern shopping malls.


(To be continued)