MILAN: ART, CULTURE AND HISTORY OF THIS COSMOPOLITAN CITY
Milan Castle, "Castello Sforzesco" in Italian, (pic.1) is one of the largest castles in Europe. It was built in the 15th century on Duke Francesco Sforza's order. In the past it was an important military citadel, today the castle hosts the Municipal Museums and some temporary exhibitions. "Pietà Rondanini", the famous statue in marble by Michelangelo, is housed here. A beautiful English landscape park, "Parco Sempione", connects the castle to the arch erected in order to celebrate Napoleon's victory in Italy, "Arco della Pace" (Peace Arch).
Do not miss the famous Opera House Scala Theatre (Teatro alla Scala) (pic.2) which is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world. Built in an elegant Neoclassical style and heavily damaged during the second world war, "Teatro alla Scala" was quickly restored and reopened. Famous for its perfect acoustics, the theatre hosted great artists like Verdi, Toscanini, Wagner, Donizetti, Rossini. "La Scala" is intrinsically linked to the history of opera, as the first performances of many important operas like Norma, Otello and Turandot were held here. Every year many stars, politicians, and important personalities still attend its premiere that is one of the most important cultural events in Italy.
Coming to the museums, we must mention first the greatest Science and Technology Museum in Italy, (Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica Leonardo da Vinci). This museum takes up a surface of over 40.000 square meters and displays many reproductions of Leonardo's machines, as well as trains, ships, airplanes, industrial machines, even a submarine of the second world war, "Enrico Toti".
"Pinacoteca di Brera" (pic.5) is the main art gallery in Milan. Its collections mostly consist of Venetian and Lombard paintings. Italian painting of the 19th century is also well documented. The most noticeable artists are Caravaggio, Hayez, Bramante, Lorenzetti, Mantegna, Lotto, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Pelizza da Volpedo, Fattori, Segantini.
Another interesting art gallery is Poldi Pezzoli, a private museum hosted in an ancient palace not far from the Duomo. There are paintings of Botticelli, Canaletto, Hayez, Pollaiolo, Raffaello, and other important artists.
Near Poldi Pezzoli there is the Museum Bagatti Valsecchi, one of the most important historic house museums of Europe. Detailed explanations are given of each piece of furniture in several languages while children have the opportunity to learn by playing games through a specific educational path.
Other museums that deserve a mention are Museo Storico Alfa Romeo, dedicated to this legendary Italian car brand; Museo del Risorgimento, focused on the period leading to the unification of Italy.
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Some pictures of Milan:
The Milan Cathedral, "Duomo" (pic n°1); The Opera House Scala Theater - inside (pic n°2); Ballet "Giselle", Opera House Scala Theater (pic n°3); The Milan Castle, "Castello Sforzesco" (pic n°4); The Art Gallery "Pinacoteca di Brera" (pic n°5); Church Sant'Ambrogio - inside (pic n°6);
Id: 138
Tour: Milan: art, culture and history of this cosmopolitan city
Category: Art City
Published by/Copyright: Touring-Italy.net
Location: Countryside
Region: Lombardy , Italy
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