===== Friday_1030_Milan ===== * Late 2 hour train to Venice - **5pm** * Milan Central: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uM8V1tc4e5v2WTFu9 * station has bag check ==== Venice hotel ==== * Hotel Trieste * breakfast included 7:30 * GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vAicfsif4Jy1ArLK6 * From station: https://goo.gl/maps/J6QphDGFjvHAZ9V86 ==== Metro ==== * www.atm.it * single ticket, valid for 90 minutes * sold at machines in subway stations—select “M1-M3” ticket—and at newsstands, tobacco shops, * and shops with ATM sticker in window). * Other ticket options include a 24-hour pass (€7) * select “M1-M3” ticket ==== Do ==== * 2 miles from central station to Duomo area * take line M3 (yellow) to Dumon * Duomo dq buy ticket * www.duomomilano.it * 32 e * 9am * then to Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum 400m * then to Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio Museum * then Sforzesco Castle, Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9r6TqB5PsxnHgvjs8 ==== 1-Day Milan Itinerary ==== Milan is larger and more spread out than many Italian cities, but the main highlights are manageable in one full day with good planning. Book The Last Supper tickets far in advance if you want to see it. Morning: Duomo & Historic Center 09:00 – Piazza del Duomo & Milan Cathedral Admire the massive Gothic façade. Go inside and climb to the rooftop terraces (best views of the city and Alps on a clear day). Book tickets in advance. 10:30 – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Walk through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade (often called Milan’s “living room”). Great for photos and a quick coffee. 11:00 – La Scala & surrounding streets See the famous opera house from the outside, then stroll through the nearby elegant streets. Midday Options Option A – The Last Supper (highly recommended if tickets available) Head to Santa Maria delle Grazie for Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (timed entry only — book weeks or months ahead). Allow about 45–60 minutes total (including waiting and viewing). Option B – Without The Last Supper Explore the charming Brera neighborhood (art galleries, boutiques, and lively streets). Optional: Pinacoteca di Brera museum. 13:00 – Lunch Try classic Milanese dishes: risotto alla milanese, cotoletta, or ossobuco. Brera or near the Duomo are convenient areas. Afternoon: Castle & Park 14:30 – Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) Explore the courtyards (free) and, if time allows, the museums (Michelangelo’s unfinished Rondanini Pietà is here). 15:30 – Parco Sempione Relax in Milan’s main central park behind the castle. Walk toward the Arco della Pace if you have energy. Evening 17:30 onward – Navigli District Take the metro or a short taxi/tram ride to the canal area. Enjoy the classic Milanese aperitivo (drink + buffet of snacks). Stay for dinner along the canals. Practical Tips Must-book tickets: Duomo rooftop and especially The Last Supper (sells out fast). Getting around: Metro is efficient. The center is walkable between Duomo, Galleria, and Brera; use public transport for Navigli or The Last Supper. Priorities: If you can only do one major paid site besides the Duomo, choose The Last Supper. Fashion note: For a quick look at high fashion, walk Via Montenapoleone after the Galleria. ==== Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio Museum ==== * free 90 minutes * 07:30 - 12:30 / 14:30 - 19:00 * GPS https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLR8km2SCwcr7qXPA * From Duomo: (20 minute walk): https://goo.gl/maps/9oRvG6f1wq5GAsHFA * 45–60 Minute Highlights Itinerary – Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio Here’s an efficient route that covers the most important sights without rushing: 1. Atrium (Quadriportico di Ansperto) – 5–8 minutes Enter through the beautiful Romanesque atrium. Notice the two asymmetrical bell towers and the colonnade. Pause briefly at the “Devil’s Column” (Colonna del Diavolo) just outside. 2. Nave and Interior – 8–10 minutes Walk down the central nave. Observe the robust Lombard Romanesque architecture, the raised floor levels, and the overall atmosphere. 3. Presbytery & Golden Altar (Altare d’Oro) – 12–15 minutes Main highlight Climb up to the elevated presbytery. Admire the magnificent 9th-century Golden Altar (masterpiece by Vuolvinus) with its gold, silver, and enamel panels depicting the life of Christ and St. Ambrose. Look up at the ciborium (canopy) above the altar and the apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty. 4. Crypt – 8–10 minutes Descend into the crypt beneath the altar. See the tombs/relics of St. Ambrose, St. Gervasius, and St. Protasius (the three saints are displayed together). 5. Chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro – 8–10 minutes Second major highlight Visit this small early Christian chapel (usually a small fee or included in some paths). Marvel at the stunning 5th-century golden mosaics, including one of the oldest portraits of St. Ambrose. Optional if you have a few extra minutes Quick look at the ambo (pulpit) over Stilicho’s sarcophagus. Brief stop at the sacristy or treasury entrance if open. ==== Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum ==== * 15 e * 90 minutes * https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Tf2vJvgMoTxL4Wv8 * Start on the First Floor (main galleries) Rooms 1–3 (15–20 min) Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit (must-see) Botticelli’s Madonna of the Pavilion Other early Renaissance works Rooms 4–6 (15 min) Raphael’s large cartoon for The School of Athens Titian and other major Renaissance pieces Room 7 (10 min) Flemish works from Cardinal Federico Borromeo’s collection (including Brueghel) Descend to the Ground Floor Aula Leonardi & Leonardo area (20–25 min) Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of a Musician Works by Leonardo’s students and circle Sala Federiciana (15–20 min) Original pages from Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus (the rotating display of his drawings and notes) Optional if time remains Quick look at the Galbiati Wing or the Bambaia gallery on the way out. * No Last Supper * No La Scala