Milan, northern Italy’s fashionable financial powerhouse holds history dating back to 600 BC. The city is part of major moments in Europe’s history. From the renaissance to the French Revolution, to the rubble left from WW2’s post war remnants and portentous impacts of fashion. Milan’s history has it all.
With so much to see and so little time, here is a list of your Muses Best core memories made on this short weekend trip.
1. Get a bird’s eye view of the city’s rich history.
Skip the line and get your tickets to the must-see architectural wonder in advance on their website. A steep climb on slippery marble stairs leads you to the roof top terrace where the view of the skyline was quite the experience! Soaking in the fact that we were on the roof of one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe was breathtaking. The amount of detail put into the architectural work of the city was exquisite.
Tickets are available for both the cathedral entrance and the roof top terrace.
Do not skip out on admiring the beauty from the interiors. Scan the ceiling to view stained glass windows and intricate craftsmanship that went into the sculptures that adorn the cathedral. We were blessed with the opportunity to light a candle to memorialize the departed, witness the choir’s harmony echo through the cathedral and morning mass.
2. Shop around the Fashion Capitol and soak in the history.
Whether your window shopping or spending your hard-earned money, the fashion capitol would not disappoint. Located on Piazza Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan. Home to many luxury fashion houses, international chains and department stores, you’re sure to find something that “you weren’t necessarily shopping for.”
The enchanting galleria embellished with mosaics and caryatids, was named after the first king of the kingdom of Italy. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Back in History
The historic shopping galleria was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in the Renaissance Revival style popular at the time. Construction broke ground in 1865 and was completed less than two years later – an astonishing achievement even by modern standards. But a dark cloud hung over the grand opening—just days before the building’s inauguration, Signor Mengoni’s lifeless body was discovered lying beneath scaffolding. Some believed he died of a heart attack, while others speculated that he had committed suicide rather than face harsh criticism of his work.
3. Indulge in Pizza and Gelato.
Two of our favorite pit stops were staples for Italians. We would basically be sinning if we didn’t take snack breaks on our only full day – to indulge in some pizza, tiramisu and gelato. Every two hours we worked up an appetite from all the steps we were putting in.
Spontini’s pizzas were so simple but so delicious. Oddly, it hit the spot like no other pizza has ever. The bottom and crust were so crispy and buttery, the dough was light and fluffy, the sauce and cheese just married together and created the longest cheese pull. It was a hit for Koa, he inhaled an entire slice of pizza to himself! It was just that good.
You know that familiar saying, ” You’ve never had gelato, if you didn’t have it in Italy.” After having 3 triple scoops of gelato in one day… I can confirm that statement to be valid. Italy gelato is unlike any gelato you’ve had before. Its creamy, has strong favor, and just does not disappoint. Idk exactly how to describe it. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. In fact, it’ll have you dreaming and craving it for weeks to come.
4. Make a personalized Milan Lego.
Traveling with a 5-year-old is never easy- realistically, what kid wants to walk miles on miles just looking at architecture? Kids are rarely interested in these things at the young age. However, we do our best to expose him to culture and history. We find ways to keep a balance and create sentimental options relevant and memorable for our son. Our recent discovery of the Lego Minifigure Factories keeps his feet moving during our adventures!
Our favorite part about the experience – is the custom Lego block that is labeled with our Muses destination! You have the option to put your name or text on one side of the block then the opposite side it is formatted with “Lego [location].” In this case, it said Lego Milano. The little person is fully customizable with limited edition skins and designs that are specific to the city we are visiting. For €11.45, Its always worth the little smile and a new core memory engaged. We look forward to traveling to more countries and collecting these timeless Lego little people.
5. 3 heel spins for good fortune.
The galleries mosaic floors are decorated with the zodiac signs. We could barely realize the details when we first admired the beauty. There was so much intricate detail to appreciate and soak in. In a distance, there was very few people gathered around one of the figures: Taurus the Bull. I then realized that what the mosaics were. And grew curious to learn the meaning. That is when I learned from the internet that this symbol borrowed from the Savoy coat of arms was said to bring good luck to those who spin on their heels three times over the indentation of his testicles.
Through these little travel experiences, we hope to fill Koas’ life with core memories that he can reflect on throughout his childhood – living as a military family. With sacrifice and dedication as the base of his path, we hope to be good remodels to influence him to be someone’s “little bit of good fortune” each day. The ability to instill morals and speak of conservative aspects of history is valuable to us in growth and development during this chapter in our life.
The rest is still unwritten, but you can scroll through the visual galleria.
Lokal Muse 