TRAVELING IN EUROPE / MILAN The capital of fashion!

Milan, the city that only at the sound of its name caused a tone of wonder ... "Wow!"  The city that divides, the city of the edges. The city that somebody will hate or love. It may not be the capital of Italy but it is certainly "the capital of style and fashion." Walking in the centre, between the well-dressed people rightly feel like watching a fashion show. The streets seem like a huge catwalk where everyone has his own style. What if Milan has not the sights of Rome? What if it does not have the beauty of Florence? What if it does not have the grandeur of Venice? Milan has clothes, museums, food, entertainment and many others that make it rank high on the major cities in the world.

MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS numerous and rich in interest starting from the famous cathedral, Duomo, in the heart of Milan, imposing the day - beautifully illuminated at night, offers an excellent view of the city from its roof, along the arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, the centre of fashion and market, which hosts the largest Couture Houses. Just Next to the famous La Scala, probably the most famous opera in the world, built in 1776, seems to be pride for its rich interior and perfect acoustics. Right next to the opera, the Theatre Museum, dedicated to La Scala, artists and performances. Opposite, Palazzo Marino, the town hall with the two different faces, holding company to the Casa degli Omenoni, a palace built by Leone Leoni, decorated by eight giant columns with male figures, built on the facade. A little further south, Torre Velasca, the tower of the 106 m., build of red brick, catch the eyes thanks to the peculiar architecture, closed now to the public since the maintenance cost proved unaffordable. Still, Castell Sforzesco, a complex of forts, castles and towers, houses a vast collection of musical instruments and the museum Civici. Very near, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, houses one of the most important artworks of all time, the Last Supper, the famous masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci, which to admire must be booked at least two months ago. Then, Sant'Amprotzio, the oldest basilica of Milan which took its name from St. Ambrose. Finally, two important museums, the Natural History, in the North Milan, with a huge collection of animals, reptiles, birds, skeletons and rocks, and the National Museum of Science and Technology, dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.

THE PARKS, Sempione in the Northwest Milan, ranging from Castell Sforzesco to the Arch of Peace, and Giardini Pubblici in north-eastern Milan, due to its lake and greenery, offering unique moments of relaxation, both to tourists seeking a break from exploring the city and the busy Milanese, who run away briefly from their jobs.

THE MARKET … The main reason to visit Milan. Even if you do not plan to buy something, since everything is unapproachable, you should visit Via Montenapoleone, the street with the most famous stores in the world, such as Gucci, Armani, Luis Vuitton, Prada, etc. You should also visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, Corso Buenos Aires, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, Via San Gregorio and to admire their storefronts.

NAVIGLI, The area of the young people, with bars and cafes, the centre of Milan’s nightlife, with the river and bridges to make it the most beautiful neighbourhood of the city, is one of the places worth visiting to get a dose of night life in Milan.

THE BARS for the Italians do not have exactly the same importance as for the Greeks. The Italians will visit them in morning for a delicious breakfast escorted by an espresso, at noon, in a break from work for a coffee, in the afternoon to read a newspaper and at night to go out with friends.

ENTERTAINMENT means wine, food, authentic Italian live music, in an Italian restaurant, or if you prefer something more noisy, a club. In any case, good dressing is the key element of a night out - if it would not be in Milan, where else would?

THE WEATHER due to the excessive moisture even when it is not too cold calls warm clothing, especially from October to April.

TIPS ΚΑΙ ΧΡΗΣΙΜΑ

1. Tansportation: Depending on the days you will stay in town prefer some of the cards that offer unlimited routes for all transport modes. Find them at the metro stations and kiosks.
2. To and from airport: There is several bus companies offered for travel to and from the airport. Buy your tickets (go and return) because it is more convenient. For Bergamo airport, where Ryanair lands, the most profitable company is Autostradale, which terminates at the train station.
3. Clothing: If you want to not look weird, but mostly to feel comfortable and be incorporated in the city, prefer a good dress, jacket, coat and good shoes.
4. Food: Do not forget to taste a genuine Italian ice cream in one of the stores near the Duomo, crepe with kinder chocolate, pizza with potatoes from the Forno dei Navigli and pasta in one of the dozens of stores that have happy hours especially in the evenings where you can eat and drink as you want by paying a certain amount (from 8 €).
5. Discounts: The student cards are accepted almost everywhere. Ask!
6. Accomodation: Good deals can be found both in Booking and Venere. Links: http://www.booking.com/, http://www.venere.com/
7. Flight: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Easy jet, frequently flying directly to Milan.  Links: http://www.ryanair.com/en, http://www.easyjet.com/EN 

...by Odysseas Karamitros!