Spending 8-9 hours in Milan
Aug 20th, 2004, 01:43 PM
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Spending 8-9 hours in Milan
Hello... I'm looking for opinions on a very quick day trip to Milan. I'm planning a 5-night trip to Venice next March, and I realize I could easily enjoy every one of my days in Venice. But I would really like to see the Duomo in Milan, especially walk among the spires on the roof top. If I take an early train from Venice and a late train back, that should give me at least 8 hours to see the Duomo and a few other sites like the "Last Supper" painting, the Galleria, and maybe the LaScala Opera House. Is it possible to see all four of these in this time frame? Can you tour the opera house without seeing an opera there? I know the Galleria is in the same area as the Duomo, but I haven't found out yet what part of the city those other two can be found. Thanks for any opinions, and have a good weekend everyone!
Sandi
Sandi
Aug 20th, 2004, 02:06 PM
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You can probably google "Milan Map" and get a good idea of how the city is laid out. Make sure you have a good one in your hands before you go.
La Scala is a short walk from the Galleria--perhaps 2 blocks or so? When we were there in May, La Scala was under intensive restoration with no anticipated completion date, so I'd make sure it was open before you go.
We walked to the Last Supper from the Duomo, which took about 20 minutes of walking pretty briskly. You could take the metro part way, keeping in mind that the nearest metro stop is still a few blocks from the church where the Last Supper is housed. It also took us a few minutes to figure out how the metro system worked. Make sure to make reservations for the Last Supper ahead of time.
I'm sure some people would advise against you leaving Venice for Milan, even for a day, but if you want to see those sights, and don't mind the 3 hour train ride (each way) go for it! We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked Milan, and it's an interesting contrast from Venice. The Duomo really is spectacular, and I think worth the trip. If you have time, also check out the castle.
La Scala is a short walk from the Galleria--perhaps 2 blocks or so? When we were there in May, La Scala was under intensive restoration with no anticipated completion date, so I'd make sure it was open before you go.
We walked to the Last Supper from the Duomo, which took about 20 minutes of walking pretty briskly. You could take the metro part way, keeping in mind that the nearest metro stop is still a few blocks from the church where the Last Supper is housed. It also took us a few minutes to figure out how the metro system worked. Make sure to make reservations for the Last Supper ahead of time.
I'm sure some people would advise against you leaving Venice for Milan, even for a day, but if you want to see those sights, and don't mind the 3 hour train ride (each way) go for it! We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked Milan, and it's an interesting contrast from Venice. The Duomo really is spectacular, and I think worth the trip. If you have time, also check out the castle.
Aug 20th, 2004, 04:18 PM
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Yes you can visit Milan's centre in half a day, but I strongly advise to book the Last Supper tickets in advance. You can do it by phone, they will give you a reservation number and you can go there about 30 minutes prior your scheduled entrance and pick up (and pay for) your tickets.
Apart from the Duomo, I would suggest to walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele which leads to the Teatro alla Scala where there are some interesting shops and a couple of cafes. Also, I particularly like Sforza Castle which is within walking distance from the Dome (Having the dome behind you, you must walk on Via Dante which is on your right and you will get to the Castle). The structure of the castle is imposing and inside there are some medieval collections should you be interested in seeing them. Otherwise just a stroll inside the stronghold is worth a visit.
Apart from the Duomo, I would suggest to walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele which leads to the Teatro alla Scala where there are some interesting shops and a couple of cafes. Also, I particularly like Sforza Castle which is within walking distance from the Dome (Having the dome behind you, you must walk on Via Dante which is on your right and you will get to the Castle). The structure of the castle is imposing and inside there are some medieval collections should you be interested in seeing them. Otherwise just a stroll inside the stronghold is worth a visit.
Aug 21st, 2004, 12:37 PM
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Thank you both for your helpful replies. The castle sounds very interesting. Here's another question... would you suggest a certain day of the week to do a train trip like this? I would have a choice of either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I'm saving Monday for Venice because we would fly home on Tuesday and I would hate a train strike to mess up our departure. Thanks again!
Aug 22nd, 2004, 08:24 AM
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Just chiming in to second (or third) that you book your Last Supper tickets in advance and that you check whether the LaScala Opera House is open. When I was there earlier this month I believe they were giving 2005 as its reopening but not any specific time in 2005.
The front of the Duomo is all covered in scaffolding but I think it is still worth seeing whatever bit of it you can.
The front of the Duomo is all covered in scaffolding but I think it is still worth seeing whatever bit of it you can.
Aug 23rd, 2004, 06:30 AM
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La Scala seems to be anticipating an "on-time" Dec. 2004 reopening, BUT then will "close" again for "adjustments." 2005-2006 season probably will be open again, but you can never be sure about these things till they actually happen! La Scala has a website and you can follow the progress there...
Aug 23rd, 2004, 03:19 PM
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I would personally choose to do the trip on Friday. Saturday the centre is usually VERY crowded because on saturday afternoon/evening many italians don't work and they LOVE to go out and go shopping around the Dome. Same thing happens in Rome or Florence and in large italian cities and towns. On Sunday many shops are closed... and if you want to do some shopping, plus some train schedules are reduced on sunday.... So I should opt for Friday.
