Milano and Bergamo

Our trip started at Santorini airport and we took a 29€ flight with Ryanair

We went from Malpensa Airport to Milan by Malpensa express

The last station was Cadorna. And we took the subway to Gambara Station

We walk from Gambara Station to our apartment

We stayed in a fantastic apartment with a good transport network nearby

We left our apartment early in the morning towards the cathedral. we went by tram

Milan's Duomo is considered the third largest cathedral in the world, after St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and Seville Cathedral ➡️At the entrance of the cathedral, on the ground, you can see a copper line that cuts the cathedral from right to left, decorated with the signs of the zodiac. It is the meridian of the Duomo, a solar calendar placed in the cathedral in the late 18th century. ➡️One of the legends that are part of the history of the Duomo in Milan is that it conserves one of the 3 sacred nails of the cross of Jesus. ➡️The Duomo has 135 needles, each with a statue. An open-air sculpture museum, the cathedral has a total of around 3,400 statues (inside and outside).

Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy.

Sempione Park is a huge green space located next to the Sforzesco Castle. It was built between 1890 and 1893 following the style of English gardens. This place is without a doubt our favorite in Milan. We've spent hours sitting around enjoying and relaxing in this park. In addition to the hundreds of species of animals and plants, in the park there are some interesting buildings: ➡️La Trienalle: The Triennale Foundation promotes the development of avant-garde Italian arts and architecture ➡️Acquario Civico: Built for the National Exhibition of 1906, the aquarium has 36 tanks in which there are more than 100 different species. ➡️Arena Civica: Opened in 1806 with the presence of Napoleon, A Arena Cívica is an impressive amphitheater where, currently, athletics events and some concerts take place ➡️Arco della Pace: Although it began to be built in 1807 to commemorate Napoleon's victories, construction was interrupted and resumed in 1826 to celebrate the peace of 1815.

Arco della Pace: Although it began to be built in 1807 to commemorate Napoleon's victories, construction was interrupted and resumed in 1826 to celebrate the peace of 1815.

Naviglio Grande was of fundamental importance in the trade with Switzerland and in the construction of the duomo: marble was extracted from a mine near Lake Maggiore and transported on ships that sailed through Ticino. It was also used to transport wine, food products, coal and wood. At night, the lights of the numerous bars and restaurants are turned on, transforming it into one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city.

We started the day by visiting again the area we explored at night. this time we managed to see the whale during the day

This neighborhood is famous for its aperitivo, that is, for its happy hour. Drinks are always served with some accompaniment, ranging from small plates with chips, olives, savory dishes, bread to buffets with pasta, pizza, salads, cheese, ham, bread and sweets. Here the accompaniments are courtesy of the house. You only pay the price of the drink.

corner that deserves special attention is the Vicolo dei Lavandai (laundressers' alley) in Naviglio Grande, near Porta Ticinese. The place has the name of an old washing house that existed there until the 50s. The interesting thing is that the alley is dedicated to men and not to women, since in the 19th century men were responsible for the laundry service. Along the alley, there is still a small river fed by the waters of the Naviglio Grande, and around it remains the structure where the kneeling men soaped their clothes on the stones. During the Second World War, the washermen had to abandon the service and were eventually replaced by women, who began to take their own clothes to wash there.

Piazzale Cadorna is sited in the centre of Milan, near Cadorna Railway Station. The square are dedicated to Italian Field Marshal Luigi Cadorna, famous for being chief of staff of the Italian army during the First World War.

It was built as a fortress during the 14th century and is one of Milan's most iconic monuments. It was later transformed into a Ducal Palace. Currently, it houses some of the best museums in the city, such as: ➡️Museum of Ancient Art ➡️Pinacoteca ➡️Egyptian Museum ➡️Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory ➡️Museum of Decorative Arts ➡️Museu of Musical Instruments ➡️Mobile Museum The museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Price: Adults 5€ Youth 18-25 €3 under 18 free Castle Every day, from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm.

We stopped on Via Dante for an ice cream. Must see in milan

Piazza Mercanti is a picturesque square located just a few meters from the Duomo. Although during the Middle Ages it was the commercial and government center of Milan, today it is a pleasant medieval space with curious buildings among them: Palazzo della Ragione Loggia degli Osii Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine Casa dei Panigarola Palazzo dei Giureconsulti

Includes lively cafes and the elegant fashion stores of the 1870 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping centre. Also home to the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic cathedral with a marble interior and elevators to rooftop city views

Last day and as we had a flight from Bergamo we decided to visit the city

Surrounded by 16th-century Venetian walls, the medieval Città Alta is dominated by the Rocca di Bergamo fortress. Beautiful squares are home to the arcaded Palazzo della Ragione, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore with its gilded interior and the intricate marble façade of the Colleoni Chapel. The narrow alleyways are lined with luxury delis and indie boutiques, as well as century-old cafes, trattorias and enotecas.

Piazza Vecchia, the beautiful heart of the city, hosting one of Italy’s most ancient libraries along with the 52 meters-high tower, which can be climbed on foot or by using the lift.

The Cathedral, or “Duomo”, is located in Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the Old Town.

Ancient stronghold called Rocca.

Return home to Portugal