Milan. Italy

  After a scenic journey to Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, we arrived in the bustling city of Milan. Excitement filled the air as we stepped into this historic city known for its fashion, art, and rich cultural heritage... Our first stop was the magnificent Duomo di Milano, an architectural marvel and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. As we approached the Duomo, its intricate Gothic façade, adorned with countless statues and spires, left us in awe. We spent some time admiring the exterior before heading inside...

  Before entering the Duomo, we headed to the ticket office to purchase our tickets. We opted for the combination ticket, which included access to the Duomo, the rooftop, and the Duomo Museum. The cost was €20 per person. With tickets in hand, we were ready to start our exploration...

  Instead of taking the lift, we chose to climb the stairs to the roof of the Duomo. The climb was invigorating, and as we ascended, we could feel the anticipation building. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. The city's skyline stretched out before us, and we marveled at the intricate details of the cathedral’s spires up close. Walking around the rooftop, we enjoyed the serene atmosphere and the stunning vistas, capturing numerous photos to remember the moment...

  After descending from the rooftop, we entered the Duomo itself. Inside, we were struck by the sheer grandeur and beauty of the cathedral. The soaring ceilings, stunning stained glass windows, and intricate sculptures created an atmosphere of awe and reverence. We spent time exploring the vast interior, soaking in the history and artistry of this magnificent structure...

  Following our visit to the Duomo, we headed to the Duomo Museum, located nearby. The museum offered a deep dive into the history and art of the cathedral. We explored various exhibits showcasing sculptures, stained glass windows, tapestries, and architectural models. Each artifact told a part of the Duomo's long and fascinating history, giving us a greater appreciation for the masterpiece we had just visited...

  After our enriching visit to the Duomo and its museum we passed through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. This elegant shopping gallery, often referred to as “Il Salotto di Milano” (Milan’s Drawing Room), is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. The Galleria, with its soaring glass and iron dome, is lined with luxury boutiques, historic cafes, and fine dining establishments.

  Walking through the Galleria, we admired the intricate mosaic floor, which features the symbols of major Italian cities, and the stunning central octagonal space, which is illuminated by natural light filtering through the glass roof. The grandeur and elegance of the Galleria made us feel like we were stepping back in time, experiencing the opulence of Milan's past...

 Vintage Milan tram... 

  La Scala repertoire...

 We found a charming café close to the famous La Scala opera house...

 The café's ambiance was inviting, and we enjoyed some  delicious cappuccino, appreciating the rich, creamy flavor. The delightful coffee break recharged our energy for the afternoon...

  In the afternoon, we headed to the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Milan’s most prestigious art galleries. The Pinacoteca houses an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance art, and we were eager to immerse ourselves in its treasures. As we walked through the gallery, we were captivated by masterpieces from renowned artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. Each painting told a story, and we took our time to appreciate the details, colors, and emotions captured on the canvases...

 

 The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan houses a vast collection of remarkable paintings, but a few stand out as particularly special...

 The "Madonna and Child with Saints, Angels, and Federico da Montefeltro" (San Bernardino Altarpiece), created by Piero della Francesca in 1472-74, is a masterful example of Renaissance art. The painting centers on the Madonna holding the Christ Child, surrounded by an assembly of saints and angels in a serene, balanced composition. Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino, is depicted kneeling in profile, presenting himself in devout prayer. The architectural setting features a detailed, classical niche, adding depth and grandeur to the scene. The use of perspective, light, and harmonious color palette showcases Piero della Francesca's skill in creating a solemn yet majestic altarpiece...

  "St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria," a painting by Gentile and Giovanni Bellini, created in 1507, captures the dynamic scene of St. Mark delivering a sermon in a bustling urban setting. The composition features St. Mark standing prominently, surrounded by a diverse crowd, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Alexandria. Architectural elements, including classical columns and arches, frame the scene, highlighting the city's grandeur. The vibrant colors and detailed expressions of the figures emphasize the painting's lively and engaging atmosphere. This work showcases the blend of religious narrative with the depiction of a richly detailed, historically significant location...

   "The Last Supper" (1624-25), Daniele Crespi... Is a Baroque painting depicting Jesus and his twelve apostles during the pivotal biblical moment. The composition features Jesus at the center of a symmetrical arrangement, with dramatic chiaroscuro highlighting the emotional responses of the apostles to Jesus's announcement of impending betrayal. The work captures the solemnity and intensity of the scene through its use of light, color, and detailed expressions...

 "The Marriage of the Virgin" by Raphael... This exquisite painting, created in 1504, depicts the marriage ceremony of Mary and Joseph. Raphael’s use of perspective, with the perfectly constructed temple in the background, and his vibrant colors highlight the solemnity and joy of the event. The expressions and postures of the figures convey a sense of grace and harmony, typical of Raphael's work...

  "The Dead Christ and Three Mourners" by Andrea Mantegna... Painted in 1480, this powerful depiction of Christ's body laid out on a marble slab is renowned for its striking perspective. Mantegna's foreshortening technique creates a dramatic and intimate portrayal of Christ, with the mourners' expressions of grief adding to the emotional intensity of the scene.

  "Finding of the Body of St. Mark" by Tintoretto. This dynamic and dramatic painting, created in 1562, captures the discovery of St. Mark’s body in Alexandria. Tintoretto's energetic brushstrokes and vivid colors convey the urgency and reverence of the moment. The use of light and shadow enhances the dramatic impact of the scene...

  "Supper at Emmaus" by Caravaggio. Caravaggio’s 1606 masterpiece captures the moment when the resurrected Christ reveals himself to his disciples at Emmaus. The dramatic use of chiaroscuro (light and shadow) highlights the astonishment and recognition in the disciples' faces. The detailed depiction of the still life on the table adds realism and depth to the scene....

"The Last Supper" by Peter Paul Rubens (1631).The painting depicts Jesus and the Apostles during the Last Supper, with Judas dressed in blue turning back towards the viewer and away from the table. Other than Jesus, the most prominent figure is Judas. Judas holds his right hand to his mouth with his eyes avoiding direct contact with the other figures in the painting creating a nervous expression...

  "The Kiss" by Francesco Hayez. Painted in 1859, this romantic and iconic work symbolizes Italian unification. The tender embrace and passionate kiss are captured with remarkable detail and emotion. Hayez's use of color and light creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, making it one of the most beloved paintings in the gallery...

 Inside the Pinacoteca di Brera, we also visited the Braidense National Library, one of Italy’s most important libraries. Founded in 1770 by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, the library boasts a vast collection of over 900,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts, incunabula, and historical documents...

  The library's elegant reading rooms, adorned with frescoes and antique wooden shelves, provided a serene and inspiring atmosphere. We spent some time exploring the library, appreciating its rich literary heritage and the sense of history that permeated the space...

 After our visit to the Pinacoteca, we took a leisurely stroll through the Brera district. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, charming streets, and artistic vibe, Brera was a delightful place to explore. We wandered through narrow cobblestone streets, browsing quaint shops and art galleries. The district's vibrant energy and artistic spirit left a lasting impression...

  As the day came to an end, we reflected on our memorable experiences in Milan. The city's blend of historical grandeur and artistic brilliance had left us with lasting memories. We headed to the airport, filled with a sense of fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for Milan's rich cultural heritage. Our evening flight back to Lithuania marked the end of an unforgettable journey through Italy...