The Eataly Diaries is pleased to publish a guest post by Pietro Marco Fraccalvieri of Select Italy, an agency specializing in Italian travel.
Since it kicked off in Milano on May 1, EXPO 2015 is already a big success with thousands of visitors coming from all over the world during the first two weeks – and it will continue to run through October 31. The main theme of the exhibition, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” summarizes what to expect from this international event: a one-time opportunity to take an exciting trip around the planet through the international pavilions as you learn about food education and responsible use of natural resources.
The fact that the Universal Exposition is hosted in one of the most beautiful and desired cities of the world makes it even more attractive. World-renowned as the capital of fashion, Milano is a city that boasts one of the richest artistic and architectural heritage in Italy. Everybody’s 2015 to-do list should include going to EXPO and taking advantage of visiting the city while participating in some of the more than 7,000 events planned until October!
VISITING MILANO
Milano is wearing its best suit for this special occasion: after five years of profound renovation, the city now showcases a unique combination of ancient glory and elegant futuristic flair, which is ideal for a modern and sophisticated trip. Its immense artistic heritage is more accessible than it used to be before EXPO; all the major tourist attractions have changed their routine to meet the needs of a larger audience.
Usually closed during the summer, Milano’s Teatro alla Scala will be open with concerts and live performances all year round.
The Duomo, the symbol of the city, reopens its underground museum to show its priceless treasures to visitors. Leonardo da Vinci, whose masterpieces are connected with Milano, is the star of EXPO with many special events held in his honor. Parts of Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus that have never been showed to the public are displayed at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, while an exhibition of Leonardo’s works is held at Palazzo Reale until July 19. Many other events dedicated to the “maestro” are taking place all around the city. Milano’s world-famous theaters such as Teatro alla Scala and the Piccolo theater, usually closed during summer, are in full swing with concerts and live performances. Fashion lovers coming to Milan to take part in the biannual Fashion Week will find a large number of new events dedicated to fashion, design and all possible expressions of creativity related to the theme of the Expo.
Beside these special things to do, Milan boasts numerous attractions. Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie to gaze in amazement at The Last Supper by Leonardo is a must, even though finding a ticket during the Expo could be very hard. Another great thing to do in the world capital of fashion is definitely some trendy shopping. The Quadrilatero della Moda, the area that hosts the most prestigious boutiques, is an elegant district with sparkling shop windows showing some hot-off-the-catwalk clothes by world-famous Italian stylists. Art lovers would also be interested in the Pinacoteca di Brera, a fascinating seventeenth-century building displaying one of the most important fourteenth-to twentieth-century art collections in Europe.
Milano, the host of this year’s Universal Exposition, is celebrated as a capital of culture.
MILANO AT NIGHT
Milano is a vibrant and modern city that offers the most glamorous and exciting nightlife in Italy. Bars open at midnight, nightclubs close at 4 a.m., excellent music and theater performances run all year round, art and cultural events are held until late. Visitors who are not tired from a day of wandering have countless things to do in Milano. The night begins at 6 p.m. with the typically Italian “aperitivo:” cocktails and other drinks accompanied by a vast selection of delicious appetizers are available in many bars and cafes around the city. Clubbing starts at about 10 p.m., running to about 4 a.m.
Milano boasts a variety of neighborhoods with different types of entertainment. The most popular is Navigli, a nonconformist area where Milanese canals are lined up with different types of bars, pavement cafés, and nightclubs. A taste of the glamorous Italian “bella vita” is to be found in Corso Como, with trendy clubs and cafés crowded with TV stars, VIPs, and a generally fun crowd. Milanese elegance is in Brera, a Bohemian district characterized by cozy restaurants and lively bars; if you are looking for something more casual we recommend you to go to Colonne di San Lorenzo, a relaxed and friendly area where people like to sit or stand while sipping a drink with friends. We also love Corso Sempione, a fashionable and exclusive district famous for the Old Fashion Café and Porta Romana, where music from the 80s is played at Salumeria della Musica.
DAY TRIP FROM MILANO
Milano is located right in the middle of Lombardia, a region that houses 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful cities, enchanting lakes, and one of the world’s most appreciated cuisines. EXPO 2015 is the perfect occasion to take a day trip from Milano to discover some of Lombardia’s hidden gems.
The jewel in the crown among Lombardia’s most interesting places to visit is Lake Como, the a top destination thanks to its charming villages perched on the lakeshore and the elegant private villas owned by celebrities. Art enthusiasts cannot miss visiting Mantua and Cremona. The first is known as “The Sleeping Beauty,” thanks to the timeless atmosphere of its old medieval town, recently listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cremona is the birthplace of the violin and the world’s top producer of string instruments, whose idyllic sounds still pervade its marvelous historical city center. Finally, a remarkable place for wine lovers is Franciacorta, the richest wine region in Italy – a perfect getaway for tourists in search of wine tastings, authentic food, and unforgettable walks in the Italian countryside.
Milano is located in Lombardia, a northern region known for its beautiful landscape, delicious cuisine, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Buon viaggio!
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