Archive for 'Milan'

Walking around Milan – maybe going for a spot of shopping, trying local food and wine or visiting museums and tourist attractions – you might be surprised by a certain sculpture that you could easily just stumble across. In the bustling centre of the city, the Piazza Affari, or Business Square, facing the stock-exchange, there is a giant middle finger – and it is pointed right at the building that serves as the financial headquarters of the country and its occupants.

The sculpture was donated to the city by Italy's most famous contemporary artist, Maurizio Cattelan, on the one condition that it would be placed in this particular location and, surprisingly, the Mayor agreed.

If you have a bit of a cheeky side and love art, this is one more reason to find a vacation rental in Milan and visit the city.

Our last article looked at the museum culture of Italy that is so important for tourism, is a big reason why many people visit the country and is, certainly, something people expect to experience when they visit.

However, the downside is that museums, galleries and cultural attractions can often have long lines and be extremely busy. So, for those who want to take in Italian culture but can't deal with the tourist crowds, we have compiled a list of some amazing museums around the country that have lots to offer without the madness.

The last post discussed Mantua's archaeological museum and a very special exhibition there and the Canova Museum in Possagno and this article will give you some more examples of lesser-known, but special, museums in Italy.

Once you've found the perfect holiday rental in Milan and are enjoying the city, you must make time to try Campari, an alcoholic liqueur for which the city is well-known. It was invented by Gaspare Campari in the nineteenth century in Novara but was first produced on a large scale in Milan. Milan is also where Gaspare settled down with his family. He also opened the legendary bar, Caffè Campari, in the city. It was here that the Americano was born.

“Americano” probably brings coffee to mind but it is also the name of an IBA Official Cocktail composed of Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda which was first served in Caffè Campari in the 1860s and was invented by Gaspare Campari. Originally, it was known as the “Milano-Torino” due to Campari (from Milan) and vermouth (from Turin) being its main ingredients. Supposedly, the name was changed when Italians noticed its popularity among Americans in the early 1900s.

The drink is also well-known as the first ordered by James Bond in the very first novel in the series by Ian Fleming, Casino Royale. He also discusses it in the short story, “From a View to a Kill.” Very easy to make and satisfying to drink, it's easy to understand its enduring popularity.

Cassoeula (also known as Cazzuola, Cazzola and Bottaggio) is a typical winter dish composed of cabbage and pork which is popular in Northern Italy and Lombardy, in particular. With a rich, strong flavour, it is the perfect, comforting dish for cold winter months.

There are several accounts of the origins of the dish, as is often the case with Italian specialities. However, one associates it with the celebration of St Anthony the Abbot on January 17th, which coincided with the end of pig slaughtering season. The parts of the pig used in the dish were those that could be immediately used after it was slaughtered and the better cuts were hung to improve the flavour of the meat. Another story states that the dish traces its roots back to 16th century, Spanish-ruled Milan. In this version of the origin story, the dish was taught to a Milanese girl by her Spanish lover, an army officer. She then served it to the noble Milanese family that she worked for and it was extremely well-received, soon gaining recognition and popularity.

The walls and streets of Milan are home to the work of many famous and unknown Italian and International street artists. You need only know where to look in order to explore the biggest art gallery in the world. Even then, surprises will often await you around corners and hidden almost out of sight. One of the greatest pleasures that the city has to offer is the experience of leisurely strolling her streets while always having something to look at.