If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Milan in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. We certainly can't say that Milan whose population exceeds 1.3 million (the urban area is well over 5 million) is undiscovered by vacationers. But as Italy's media and finance capital it is definitely less tourist infested than many, many other Italian cites. Milan is often considered to be Italy's most European city. Is that a reason not to go visit? On the other hand, Milan is Italy's fashion capital and one of the great fashion capitals of Europe, which is an excellent reason for stopping by. (We'll let you decide which is more chic, Milan or Paris.) Let's not forget that Milan is home to Europe's greatest opera house, La Scala. You really should consider visiting Milan, as well as other Lombardy destinations, described in companion articles in this series.



Over the millennia Lombardy has been invaded by many including the Etruscans, Gauls, Romans, French, Spaniards, and the Lombards. Keep the region's history in mind as you tour this impressive city.

We start our tour at the Gothic Duomo (Cathedral) built from 1386 to 1809. With a capacity estimated at forty thousand it is Italy's largest church after St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. The Duomo's architecture and art are worthy of an extended visit. Let's quote Mark Twain in his famous travelogue Innocents Abroad: "...They say that the Cathedral of Milan is second only to St. Peter's at Rome. I cannot understand how it can be second to anything made by human hands."

Next door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an enormous Nineteenth Century upscale shopping mall named for the first king of united Italy. The Galleria is one great place for shopping and people watching, but bargains are to be found elsewhere.

La Scala Opera House is another type of cathedral. Its season runs for about six months, and with only 2800 seats you have to scramble for a ticket. La Scala's beauty is matched only by its magnificent acoustics. The performances are top of the line. And make sure that you visit the Museo Teatrale alla Scala.

See the Fifteenth Century Saint Mary of the Graces Church and its refectory which houses a recently restored da Vinci masterpiece, Il Cenacolo, better known by its English-language name, The Last Supper. You must reserve well in advance to catch a fifteen-minute glimpse. Make sure that you visit the Municipal Natural History Museum with its adjoining planetarium and Public Gardens that provides pony rides, merry-go-round, and miniature train.

Of Italy's twenty regions Lombardy trails only Emilia-Romagna in food production. Much of its food originated abroad, for example, the Spanish brought saffron and rice, two major components of Milan's saffron risotto. Lombardy produces the sparkling Franciacorta, said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly. I recently shared a bottle of rose Franciacorta with my wine tasting group - we were quite disappointed.