City Break in Milan - Duomo and Around

The Duomo is at the top of the sightseeing list for any visit to Milan.  We took the subway to the Duomo and emerged to see the cathedral's spires reaching for the clear blue sky.

Small, intricately carved heads adorned the exterior.

Inside, the Duomo was equally impressive.  Classic tapestries lined the nave.

A sculpture by one of Da Vinci's proteges looks like the skin is hanging off the skeleton.  The anatomical detail is unprecedented for works from this era when autopsy was forbidden.

The sun dazzled through colorful stained glass.

We emerged from the Duomo and turned toward Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

The shopping arcade boasts an impressive glass dome.

Frescoes line the walls.

The floor looks like exquisite marble.

We emerged from the opposite end of the Galleria to a square featuring a statue popular with the local pigeons.

We saw the local tram passing in front of the Opera House.

A lonely dog moped outside during the intermission of the matinee.  I guess he didn't like the lead soprano.

We chanced upon an art exhibit by Artemisia Gentileschi.  I've been fascinated by this artist fond of rather visceral subject matter since reading The Passion of Artemisia, a fictionalized account of her life.

We visited Milan at the end of October and roasted chestnuts were already on sale (to my delight).

We also passed some lovely shops selling gourmet treats and meats.

Of course, we're fans of Italian coffee and sweets.  This marzipan filled window drew us in.  

We parked ourselves at a stand-up table near an alcove filled with wine, liqueurs, and jams.

We opted to try a delicate nut and marzipan filled morsel.

At a separate shop, we spied smiley jack-o-lantern cookies.

Vespas and other small motorcycles seemed to be the preferred mode of transit in Milan.

We just had to try Milanese gelato and Grom scored strong marks online.

We opted for a chocolate, hazelnut concoction.

One of the best parts of Milan was watching the locals strut their stuff.  Shopping and fashion are clearly big business.  The Milanese definitely dress to impress.

Bellissima!