Milano by Rain

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

For a good dinner nearby, check out the streets around Viale Tunisia on the east side of Republica. For night-life spots nearby, head westwards toward Moscova - a lot can be found within walking distance.

The spacious interior can keep a congregation of 40.000 god-botherers inside on a good praying day. The cathedral is said to house a nail from Christ's cross, which is publicly displayed once a year (2nd sunday of September). Far more accessible is the Christian baptistry (entrance inside the church, €1), which is build around 378 AD and so predates the church itself by a millenium.

A stairway on the north side of Duomo leads up to the rooftops of the magnificent cathedral (entry €3) - an elevator is also avaliable for those weak of heart or foot, for a slightly steeper price (€5). The rooftop terraces provide an unparalleled close look at the architecture of the Duomo - and one of the best panoramas of Milano. The walk up allows you to burn off some of the italian-food-induced calories and get ready for your next large meal with something akin to a clear conscience.

The Galleria also houses some of Milano's historical restaurants - Zucca overlooking Piazza Duomo and Il Salotto with its glass-covered winter terrase are two worth mentioning - altough the prices might not exactly be backpacker-friendly.

The massive main portal features a welcome area, where the occassional invader could experience the pleasures of being bathed in boiling oil and fired upon, whilst battering down the massive gate. Just to the left of the entrance is the castle bookshop, featuring mainly art books.

Leonardo da Vinci, who spent quite a few years in Milano working on (among others) his Last Supper, didn't fail to meddle in the construction of the castle, aiding in designing some of the defences. Nearly demolished in late 19th century, the castle nontheless pulled through and was fully restored to its current state by 1905.

Another exhibit worth mentioning is the Telecommunication, Radio & TV gallery, featuring examples of the earliest machines within the field to the modern day. For a fun comparison, whip out your cell phone near some of the early transmitters and experience the progress in the palm of your hand.

The Transportation Exhibit features both naval, overland and air transports, with many examples of magnificent machines throughout the ages - among them one of the few rocket-driven race cars.

Several more exhibits fill the spacious rooms of the museum - Metallurgy and Physical Sciences among others - avaliable for your viewing pleasure, as far your mood and time permits. You can grab a quick refreshment in the museum cafeteria or snatch a few souvenirs in the local shop (which, incidentally, does not carry AA-batteries for your camera).