Visiting Milan in March 2023 offered a completely different lens on Italy compared to the coastal south. Italy’s fashion and design capital effortlessly bridges monumental history with forward-thinking urban architecture. From standing among the intricate marble spires high above the city to exploring ultra-modern business plazas and hearing the historic yellow trams rattle down cobblestone streets, our spring trip captured Milan’s sleek, fast-paced elegance paired with timeless Italian charm.
Highlights from Our Days in Milan
The Rooftop Terraces of the Duomo: Climbing up onto the roof of the Duomo di Milano was an absolute highlight. Walking directly beneath the flying buttresses, intricate tracery, and hundreds of carved marble spires provided an extraordinary Gothic frame for Tamara's portraits, with sweeping views stretching out across the city skyline.
Twilight in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Stepping into Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery just as dusk settled over the city. Under the glow of luxury storefronts and the massive iron-and-ribbed-glass dome illuminated against a deep blue evening sky, the polished mosaic floors and grand neo-Renaissance facades delivered classic cinematic framing.
Futuristic Porta Nuova & Piazza Gae Aulenti: Venturing into Milan’s modern financial district revealed bold contemporary design. We explored the futuristic plaza framed by curved glass towers, looking straight up through soaring oval canopies and stopping by the whimsical brass trumpet sound sculptures outside The Stage.
Classic Yellow Trams & City Life: Beyond the monumental landmarks, the city's everyday character came alive at street level—watching the vintage 1928 yellow Carrelli trams glide along the avenues, discovering quiet pastel facades with leafy balcony gardens, and taking in the warm afternoon sun over the terracotta rooftops.
