“The Beauty of Being Here”…planning a day trip around a visit to a single museum…and it happens to be in Milan, a city that I’m not particularly familiar with (yet)!
I have to admit that I have not spent a lot of time in Milan – maybe because it doesn’t have the appeal for me that other cities in Italy do. However, since learning about the Pinacoteca di Brera, a visit was high on my “list”.
Yes, of course, I also want to visit Leonardo’s Last Supper fresco and other historical sites but, to avoid an overnight stay, I finally decided just to “keep it simple”, prioritize, and make a day trip. I recently enjoyed my Roma day trip to revisit the Galleria Borghese and, after checking the phenomenal fast train fares (when ItaloTreno has a special, they are a fabulous value!)…voilà, I was able to book my round trip tickets (its about 2 hours each way), my museum ticket, as well as “map out” taxis and my walking routes.
And, I am pleased to say that it all worked out beautifully – yes, a little drizzly, which was out of my control, and certainly nothing prohibitive. All in all, a delightful enriching day and another opportunity to see something new (and to push my comfort level a bit).
◊ Pinacoteca di Brera: Milan’s Treasure Trove of Masterworks!
Perhaps not as well known as many other museums and galleries, the Brera is most definitely worth a visit! I have to admit that I knew nothing abut this museum before watching and listening to art history webinars. Praised by many of my favorite art historians, and seeing some of the works in their collection, as well as interviews with the former director, piqued my interest. A visit became a “must” for me!
After all, just the mention of works by Caravaggio, Raffaello, della Francesca and Mantegna was inspiring but I had no idea of the extent of their collection of Venetian artists including: Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Canaletto, Carpaccio, and Hayez. The monumental (and quite idealistic) sculpture of Napoleon by Canova is an imposing testimony to the fact that, due to his “efforts”, so many Venetian masterworks are found here.
The Brera is also very “user friendly” and doable without becoming overwhelmed. They have an excellent and informative website and extremely helpful staff. I also opted (and recommend) the audio guide which I found to be quite informative.
Also, as I always do, I did research before my visit to learn more about their collection. And then there are those works that unexpectedly capture your attention…I have shared my love for museums and I spend a lot of time visiting which is why I prefer and almost always go to museums solo…
However, even I have my limits…How much one can take in as well as the overall physical experience is personal but, for me, after 2-2-1/2 intense hours, I need a break.The beauty of the Brera is that it can be enjoyed in a few hours and you can start or finish your visit at their charming cafè or courtyard and take a break, rest, catch your breath (and in my case enjoy a snack and a delish hot chocolate)!
◊ After the Brera
The museum, a former convent, is conveniently located in a trendy neighborhood with lots of boutiques and shops. Milan is known for its fashion and style so taking a stroll (and window shopping) is quite enjoyable (and tempting).
My plan was to walk over to their famed Galleria, the ultra-fashionable Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a stroll. No doubt it is a “destination” in Milan, and rightfully so – not only is it a stunning landmark but a spectacular showcase of upscale designer/fashion boutiques and lots of options for dining.
As you exit the Galleria into Piazza del Duomo, before you is the very impressive Duomo di Milano. It is the largest gothic church in Italy and the fifth largest Christian church in the world. The sheer scale is incredible! (I did visit the last time I was in Milan and I definitely recommend it.)
The taxi queue is nearby and off I went to get back to Milano Centrale (which is HUGE!) in time for a quick caffè and catch my fast train back to Florence…perfect!
◊ What You Should Know:
◊ Pinacoteca di Brera – Official site for information and tickets:
https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/visit/entrances
More “The Beauty of Being Here”
Did You Miss??
◊ The Costume & Fashion Museum in Pitti Palace
◊ The Impressionists of Normandy in Florence
◊ The Palatial Royal Apartments in Pitti Palace
◊ A Date with the Timeless Beauty of David
◊ MORE Italy Travel TipZ – Coming SOON!
…and MORE!
