Europe Explored » Milano

Milan Cathedral – the largest cathedral in Italy and 2nd largest in Europe

Claire — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:45:02 +0000

In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. The last work has been performed in order of Napoleon in 1809. Facade of the Milan Cathedral is a dazzling combination of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by schizoform

The most striking feature is the unusual dome’s roof with 135 towers and innumerable statues and gargoyles. In clear weather you can see the Alps with the Matterhorn from the towers. For the lovers of Gothic architecture, the Duomo is a masterpiece of perfectly made decorations.

Cathedral windows dating from the 15th century, are among the largest in Europe. In the nave, near the entrance, you can see the largest sundial in the world (dating back to 1786).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the most popular buildings in the whole European continent. It is also known to be the largest cathedral of all cathedrals in Italy and the second largest one in Europe (just after Seville Cathedral). It consists of five naves, which supports 52 columns. The highest point of the cathedral is La Madonnina (the statue of the Virgin Mary) from the 18th century, which is now the symbol of Milan.

The project of cathedral was meant to help all those who are helpless and ordinary people who are suffering or suffered under the ruling of tyrant Bernabò. During the construction of this cathedral a large amount of donations were collected from people and soon the news of construction spread with the people.

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Milano – the city of Italian fashion

Claire — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:40:44 +0000

Milan (Milano) is a city in Italy and the capital of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1,300,000, while the urban area is the first in Italy and the fifth largest in the European Union with a population of 4,345,000.

The city is at its hottest – weather-wise – in August, when locals take holidays, and many places close; though it can provide a tranquil alternative to the crowded coast.

Fashion and finance aside, Milan’s other religion is, of course, football. The city is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milano, two of Italy’s top teams, and passionate crowds pack San Siro stadium on Sunday in season.

The city also harbours some lesser-known attractions such as the Navigli’s canal-side cafés and old-fashioned gelaterie (ice-cream shops) and the funky design district of Isola.

Top Sights in Milan

Teatro alla Scala
Tempio della Vittoria
Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II
Piazza Duomo
Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Duomo Cathedral in Milan
Arena Civica
Naviglio della Martesana
Ticinese Gate
Via Monte Napoleone
Poldi-Pezzoli Museum
Bagatti-Valsecchi Palace
Litta Theatre

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Cascate del Serio – tallest waterfall in Italy

Claire — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:31:19 +0000

You will find the Cascate del Serio located in northern Italy, merely 100 kilometres from the popular destination of Milan. It is here, just outside of the village of Valbondione, that you will find the 315 meter tall waterfall known simply as Cascate del Serio. It is the largest waterfall in all of Italy, and is separated into three major sections. The top section of the cascade is 166 meters, the middle section is 74 meters and the lower section of the cascade is 75 meters tall.

Cascate del Serio, Lombardy, Italy by Marco Chiesa

The source of the Cascate del Serio is from the Serio River which is fed by the Bergamo Alps. It was back in 1931 when the Barbellino Dam was built and created the Lago di Barbellino reservoir. This reservoir is used as a source of energy for the local hydroelectric powerplant. As a result, like many of the waterfalls in Italy, it is only open a few times throughout the year.

It is therefore important that if you plan on visiting the region in order to check out the Cascate del Serio, that you need to prepare accordingly and ensure that you are able to make it to the village on the exact day and time that the floodgates are open and the waterfalls began rushing once again. But just remember, that when the waterfall is turned on, it is only going to be visible for about 30 minutes. As a result of the rarity in which the falls are turned on, you will quickly find out upon arriving to the region that there are many other people interested in seeing this rare event.

Long before the existence of the reservoir and the hydroelectric powerplant, there was a romantic legend that was associated with the waterfalls. The legend of the Cascate del Serio speaks of a local girl who had fallen in love with a shepherd boy who had already been engaged. Not wanting to lose her shepherd, she kidnapped fiancée and locked her away forever. The girl cried out for her loss and those tears created the Cascate del Serio.

Opening hours of Cascate del Serio in 2013

Cascate del Serio is planned to be opened in 2013 as follows:

Sunday 16th June 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
Saturday 20th July 2013 – 22:00 – 22:30
Sunday 18th August 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
Sunday 15th September 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
Sunday 6th October 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30

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