My 163 days in Milan

From January through July 2013, I spent my second semester abroad studying at Università Cattolica followed by an internship with an Italian pneumatics company. I lived in an apartment on the outskirts of the city with two other Americans. We had one hell of a time.

Other than my daily adventures in Milano, there were also some side trips to Slovenia, France, England and the Netherlands. I was lucky enough to meet some amazing friends to travel around with me.

What to See in Milan

Altough Milan is one of the biggest cities in Italy, there aren't many historical landmarks like there are in Rome. Depending on how interested you are, this city can be seen in a day or two. For me, however, 6 months was not nearly long enough.

Covering the basics: In the city center there are 5 things that you absolutely MUST see.

1. The Duomo di Milano. This six century old cathedral is the heart of Milan. With its grand Gothic architecture, I could sit and look at this monument for hours. I have sat and looked at this monument for hours, day and night. And that is just the outside. You have to go inside (make sure your knees and shoulders are covered !!!!) to see all the art and if you have time, please climb to the top. On a clear day you can see the entire city and the Italian alps beyond it.

2. Galleria di Vittorio Emmanuele. One of the oldest shopping malls in the world, this arcade is directly to the left when you are looking at the Duomo. Although I have never actually shopped in the Gallery, it's all high end/ luxury fashion, I have frequented it often. When you enter the Gallery, on the floor at the start of the left wing is there are four mosaics portraying the Coat of Arms of the three Capitals of the Kingdom of Italy (Turin, Florence, Rome and Milan). It is said that you're supposed to put the heel of your right foot on the bulls balls (depicted in Turin's coat of arms) and spin on him three times for good luck. I usually visited the Gallery when I was passing through on my way to Luinis (Via Santa Radegonda,16). From the bulls balls if you turn aroung and continue straight crossing through the center to exit from the right wing, then a left at the end of the street and around the corner of Cioccolati Italiani, you will usually find a huge line the whole way down the block (except when it's closed on Sunday's or after 3 on Monday's). This line leads through a door to Luini's where you will find the MOST DELICIOUS PANZEROTTI. Panzerotti are like little calzones and you go get one pomodoro e mozzerella with a coke and go back sit in the piazza and look at the Duomo.

3. Castello Sforzesco. A 14th century fortress turned 15th century castle, Castello Sforzesco is nowadays home to several of Milan's museums and art collections. The Museum of Ancient Art which includes Michelangelo's last sculpture (the Rondanini Pietà), the armory, the tapestry room and some funerary monuments. The Trivulziana Library holds Leonardo da Vinci's 'Codex Trivulzianus' manuscript. Also in 2012 new paintings attributable to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio were discovered there.

4. Parco Sempione. I'll admit that the park doesn't have much to offer in the winter months, but come May it is the place to be. On the back side of Castello Sforzesco, the park streatches the distance to the the Arch. In the summer it is the perfect place to lay out, play soccer or catch some live music.

5. Arco della Pace. Porta Sempione is a city gate of Milan. The name "Porta Sempione" is used both to refer to the gate and to the surrounding district , the historic city centre, including the major avenue of Corso Sempione. The gate is marked by the "Arch of Peace", dating back to the 19th century, but its origins can be traced back to a gate of the Roman walls of Milan. This grand structure is on the other side of the park from the castle and is surrounded by steps so it is the perfect place to rest after a walk through the park.

Going Out

Aperitivo - the Happy Hour of Italy, which lasts way more than an hour and I usually eat enough to get me through dinner AND breakfast the next morning. Milan is famous for it's aperitivi where you pay for your drink and with it you get unlimited access to an endless buffet of Italian foods. Some places have just little finger foods, but there are others where you can find an assortment of pizze, paste and dolci. My favorite place to go looking for an aperitivo is around the Grand Canal in Navigli. Just a few minutes walk from Porto Genova (M2) metro station, this romantic neighborhood is chalk full of restaurants, bars, galleries, shops and on Sundays in the summer, there is an antique market. Just walking around the canals, you are bound to find somewhere loud and full of people to sit outside and enjoy.

Colonne di San Lorenzo, or simply colonne, is the place to be day or night. The actual columns are located in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, which were taken from a temple or public bath house dating from the 2nd century. In the day time, this open space is occupied by tourists visiting the shops and restaurants and at night it transforms into a giant party. Students come to this area, alcohol in hand, and simply sit down and hang out. It's a great place to meet new people, I met some of my best Italian friends by starting a random conversation.

The previous two spots are best in the summer, since they are outside. And when winter rolls around in Milano, you won't find anyone there. Instead, there are a number of bars in clubs in the city center to go to. Old Fashioned, Le Banque, Circle, The Club, Magazzini Generali, Hollywood or Alcatraz are all fun places to go to, but the people aren't the nicest. And finding taxis at these places is almost impossible. You must call and reserve one in advance if you want to make it home after.