Milan and the Lakes

Eyewitness Travel Guides

by Monica Torri

the Historical Center, Northwest Milan, Southwest Milan, Southeast Milan, Northeast Milan, and the Lakes of Northern Italy.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mir]

The photography wasn't as nice as the other DK guides I've read, but the text seemed more practically useful. I wouldn't opt to go to Milan having only this as a guide, but if that somehow happened unexpectedly I think this would be adequate to plan at least 4 or 5 days worth of sightseeing, and the maps are probably sufficient to get you roughly where you want to go.

Here are some hypothetical daily schedules [disclaimer: I've never been to Milan, so I am only judging from the guide that these sights/locations seem convenient to one another].

Day 1 -- Central Milan
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Old Masters)
Via Torino, Piazza del Duomo
see the Cathedral and go to the roof
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (19th-century shopping arcade)
La Scala has a Museo Teatrale and a year-round season
Quadrilatero d'Oro has both fancy shopping and smaller museums (including Poldo Pezzoli)
Pinacoteca di Brera, an important museum in a lively area with lots of bars. Maybe a good place to end the day.



Day 2
Castello Sforezco (Medieval and Renaissance art, including Michelangelo's Pieta)
Museo Arcaeologico (early history of Milan)
Da Vinci's Last Supper reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
Bar Magenta (Art Nouveau, food)
Best churches: Sant'Ambroglio (4th-century), San Lorenzo (diocesan museum), Sant Eustorgio (early frescoes)
nearby Navigli district has bars and restaurants



Day 3 -- Lake Como
Stroll the lakeside promenade
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
Volta science museum
Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio (guided tours only)
Ferry to Varenna
gardens at Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero
hike to ruins of Castello di Vezio
ferry to Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta (18th-century art)



Day 4 -- Lake Maggiore
3 little Borromean islands with gardens, palaces, and exhibits
Cable car up Monte Mottarone and hike down (3 hours) or take the cable car back.
If going by car, stop at Arona and climb up the inside of the statue of Borromeo



Listed also are several smaller museums and less prime churches et al historic sights, and descriptions of some other neighborhoods beside the main two tourist spots.

[Steven Peterson]

In 1976, I flew into the airport at Milan and then took a limousine ride to Bellagio on Lake Como. In the car with me were two ex-Presidents of the American Political Science Association. I recall our terror as the limo driver would pass cars on curves--without being able to see ahead! What an introduction to our small and intensive conference at the Villa Serbelloni (then, run by the Rockefeller Foundation). So, when I saw this book, I simply had to get it to help recall that wonderful week or so on the shores of Lake Como.

The book's purpose is laid out on page 6: "This guide helps you to get the most out of your visit to Milan and the lakes of Northern Italy by providing detailed descriptions of sights, practical information and expert advice." The volume starts out by providing context--a map of Milan, a history of Milan, events throughout the year in Milan. In a relatively few pages, one develops a sense of this historic city.

Then, the coverage of the city, region by region. In the "Historic Centre," we find one of the great cathedrals, Duomo. Several pages portray the area, the cathedral itself, and the attractions of this venue. Of course, there is also discussion of the renowned opera house, La Scala. And so on. Area by area, we get a sense of this city.

Then, the lakes nearby--including Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. Since I stayed at a villa on the shores of Lake Como, perhaps a few words are in order about this lake. The lake is in the shape of an inverted Y, with Bellagio at the point where all three arms come together. I recall the glories of walking through the village, of taking part in discussions at the Villa Serbelloni, of taking a boat across the lake to enjoy my first espresso at the village of Cadenabbia. The heights surrounding the lake were most picturesque. The description of the villages and attractions around Lake Como are brief but illustrate its attractions nicely.

On it goes, including a discussion of "Travelers’' Needs," including places to stay, places to eat bars and cafes, entertainment, and the like.

Interested in Milan and the surrounding region? This is a nice resource to guide one's travel in this region.

[Peter]

Was good, useful.
Nmkt library.

[Dane Cobain]

I was hoping that I’d feel super inspired to visit Milan after I read this, because I’m going there for work in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the only attractions that are listed are religious sites and art galleries – I prefer museums and stuff to do with books. That said, it’s a good guide, for the price.