32 Postcards Clockwise from top left: View from above the isl<strong>and</strong> of Ischia; domed ceiling of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; Fortuna del Nettuno fountain in Bologna; bridge across the Naviglio Gr<strong>and</strong>e canal in Milan; Greek amphitheater in Taormina.
Panoramic view of Milan Think Italy, <strong>and</strong> no doubt Rome, Florence <strong>and</strong> Venice first come to mind. While these are certainly cities worthy of exploration, they’re often packed with tourists <strong>and</strong> can pack a punch to the wallet, too. Here, are five other fascinating destinations to consider as you plan your Italian adventure. MILAN Combine commerce with fashion, <strong>and</strong> you wind up with Milan, home of the Italian stock exchange <strong>and</strong> one of the great fashion capitals of the world. But this modern city has plenty of architectural treasures, <strong>and</strong> you’ll quickly be engulfed in its unique charm. Start any visit at the Duomo, an iconic l<strong>and</strong>mark for the city <strong>and</strong> Italy’s largest <strong>and</strong> most complex Gothic building. <strong>The</strong> massive structure, which dates to 1386, features roughly 3,400 statues <strong>and</strong> a rooftop terrace, from which you can see the city come to life. Milan’s compact city center is perfectly suited to pedestrians (though public transportation here is among the country’s best), <strong>and</strong> from the Duomo, you can easily access any one of the city’s main avenues, such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a pedestrian-only walkway. Of course, with its fashion-forward reputation, it’s no surprise that Milan draws shoppers from around the world. <strong>The</strong> heart of the city’s shopping lies in the Quadrilatero della Moda (the fashion district), where you can peruse high-end br<strong>and</strong>s such as Prada <strong>and</strong> Versace. As you w<strong>and</strong>er, be sure to stroll down Via Montenapoleone, the Italian equivalent to NYC’s Fifth Avenue. Other popular shopping areas include the mile-pluslong Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets, <strong>and</strong> the bustling Via Torino, known for its abundance of shoe stores. Milan is also an art lover’s paradise, especially for Leonardo da Vinci fans. Visit the National Museum of Science <strong>and</strong> Technology to explore a collection of models based on the artist’s drawings <strong>and</strong> the Refectory at Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the original “<strong>The</strong> Last Supper” in all its glory. VERONA Call it the city of love, as Verona, located midway between Milan <strong>and</strong> Venice, is the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo <strong>and</strong> Juliet.” You can even visit “Juliet’s House” <strong>and</strong> see the famous balcony where Romeo first declared his undying love for Juliet. Shakespeare aside, Verona is an enchanting city with over 2,000 years of history (in 2000, the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Start your exploration with the Renaissance entrance gates that run parallel to the city wall. Pass under the triumphal arch as you walk through the old town or grab a seat at one of the many outdoor cafés to sip an espresso (or glass of vino) <strong>and</strong> drink in the amazing views. No visit is complete without seeing the Verona Arena, an open-air amphitheater (Italy’s third-largest) that was built in the first half of the first century. Crowds consistently pack the st<strong>and</strong>s to catch an opera or other musical event. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the ambience alone is worth the experience. You might also consider a visit to Castelvecchio, a massive castle with a museum that houses Venetian art, jewelry <strong>and</strong> weapons. Take time to w<strong>and</strong>er along the Adige River, a popular spot for locals, or take a short bus ride to Lake Garda, one of Italy’s biggest <strong>and</strong> most beautiful lakes. From Verona, you can also drive into cities like Trento <strong>and</strong> be at the gateway of the Dolomites. Postcards 33
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