Spent a wonderful day in Milano! The rainy forecast turned out to be a beautiful day, perfect for a stroll to the La Scala, the Duomo and Porta Nuova Disrtict. It’s been many years since I was last in Milan, so it was a true pleasure to revisit some famous places, mingle with the tourists and enjoy some great food! While passing the opera house, on a whim we decided to give it a tour, and oh what a treat that was! Visiting the La Scala, even if not for a performance, became the highlight of the day!
LA SCALA! I’ve heard the name many times growing up and in my mind it became a synonym for excellence, success and recognition! The most famous and prestigious opera house in the world is history alive! I knew it had more premiers by composers like Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini than any other opera! The walls have heard the greatest voices in the world : Caruso, Callas, Tebaldi, Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo… It’s the place where every Royal, aristocrat and philanthropist of the last 5 centuries has sat in the lounges, admired and applauded timeless performances! Now, having said all that, picture little Me standing at a balcony overlooking this grand, world famous stage! I hope you can understand my fascination!
Originally built in Neoclassical style, the La Scala was renovated most recently in 2002-2004. The project cost whooping €61 mil, and while keeping the iconic facade with its eye catching grandeur, elegance and proportion untouched, the stage and back area was completely rebuilt.
Today the La Scala is home to La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet, La Scala Theatre Orchestra, and Filarmonica della Scala Orchestra.
The season traditionally opens every year on December 7 (St.Ambrose’s day – the patron saint of Milano).
The museum is open daily, cost €12. In addition to collection of drafts, costumes, statues, antique instruments and paintings, the admission allows access to the main foyer and few boxes of the auditorium. If you are lucky you may even see a stage rehearsal.
DUOMO- Did you know it took almost six centuries to complete the construction of the famous Duomo!
Duomo by the numbers (impressive!): External length of Duomo is 158m, external width of the Cross-aisle is 93m. The internal surface area is 11 700 sq.m. Height from the ground 108,5m.
The Duomo has 3 400 statues, 200 bas-reliefs, 135 spires, 150 gargoyles, 96 giants.
It has 55 stained glass windows with total area of 4 250sq.m depicting over 3 600 personages.
The Duomo is open daily. Tickets are €6 for the cathedral only, many combined tickets are also available.
PORTA NUOVA DiSTRICT- this new modern neighborhood is unique and worth visiting even if you only have a day in Milan. Things to see: Vertical Forest, UniCredit Tower, Solaria Tower, Vertical Nest Tower, Giardini di Porta Nuova park with 8 000sq.m. Garden De Castillia.
Enjoy this tour and read some interesting facts under each picture.
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