Duomo and Navigli 

“The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page” St Augustine

The most iconic landmark of Milan is the Duomo, this massive cathedral dominates a huge piazza flanked on one side by the Vittorio Emmanuel shopping arcade, home of designer brands and outrageous prices. The value of the luxuries for sale there would feed a small country for a year.

The cathedral is on the site of a more ancient church dating from the fourth century,the archeological remains of which are accessible in the church basement. The Duomo was commenced in 1386 and added to for several hundred years. By the end of the tour our heads were bursting with facts, most of which we will never recall. I do remember it has 108 spires and by going up to the roof terraces we were able to see them very close up, the views were pretty good too! 

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and very impressive. It links the are between the La Scala Opera House and the Duomo. We nicknamed it the QVB as it reminded us of Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building. 

No shopping for us but a nice spot for a coffee. 

Megan with the $3000 backpack she won’t be buying

Evening and it was off to the Navigli Canal District for the Milanese tradition of Aperitivo, the restaurants long the canal have a unique happy hour(s) where you buy a drink and food is included. This is not the Aussie style all you can eat but a buffet of delectable fresh Italian deliciousness. For the price of our Aperol Spritz (aperol, prosecco and soda) we had a wonderful meal thrown in ! All of this in a gorgeous setting, so very Italian !