Archive for 'Milan'

The Last Supper is da Vinci's other great masterpiece and one of the most famous paintings in the history of the modern world. However, due to experimental techniques used in its making, the centuries past, damage in WWII and poor restoration in the 19th century, it is a shadow of its former self and in severe danger of disappearing forever.

Twenty-two years of restoration were undertaken in the 20th century and finished in 1999 and while this helped prolong the life of the work, the damage is severe. Despite this, viewers still come and some even return and the fascinating, beautiful work continues to capture hearts. Even if you're in Milan for just the one day, it is worth seeing – just read on for tips on planning your visit.

If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, one of the must-see attractions that almost everyone will pencil into their visit is a trip to see The Last Supper for themselves. One of the most iconic works in the history of art, it has influenced generations of art and pop culture for centuries now and is something that most have seen at some point in their lives. However, like all things, it is a different experience entirely to see something with your own eyes and in person.

The Brera Picture Gallery, or Pinacoteca di Brera, is Milan’s main public art gallery. Consisting of a rich collection of artworks that represents over six centuries of European art, the museum is home to works by famous artists such as Rubens, Titian, Correggio and Anthony Van Dyck.

Housed in what was originally a 14th century monastery, it was later redesigned by the renowned architect Giuseppe Piermarini and is surrounded by a picturesque botanic garden and is a stunning museum in a beautiful setting. It is a must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in Milan.

The Palazzo Brera was once a convent that came into the possession of the Jesuits in the 16th century. However, when the Jesuits were disbanded in 1773, the palazzo remained the seat of the astronomical Observatory and the Braidense National Library, which had been founded by the Jesuits. The herbarium of the new botanical garden was added a year later and the buildings were the extended under Piermarini, who went on to become a professor at the Academy that was established on site in 1776.

In the final post in this series, we are rounding up more of Milan's architectural masterpieces. While the city may have been put on the map internationally by its fashion, it has much more to offer any visitor when it comes to art and culture and, in particular, architecture.

Just find a vacation rental in Milan and follow this guide and you will find some of the city's best architectural gems that, handily, are also some of its major tourist attractions.

6. Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte

The Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, also known as the Villa Reale and the Villa Comunale, was originally built for Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso in the 18th century.

As noted in the last post, Milan is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that is often overshadowed by its title as fashion capital of Italy. One of the areas in which the city really excels is in her architecture and there are some incredible buildings in the city from ancient churches to contemporary explorations into modern living. If you are an enthusiast or merely a normal tourist, these buildings are sure to impress. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, perhaps, the most famous place to shop in Milan. The shopping centre, or mall, is located right by the Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even if you're not buying anything, it's probably the best place you could possibly go for a little window-shopping as it is so stunningly opulent and beautiful.