The Last Supper |
We landed our bus at that big castle opposite the duomo, and I confess this is at least the third time I've seen this place, and I still don't quite understand what it is. I know these things: it has a lovely fountain out front, there is a moat around it, and it was used for military purposes a long time ago. I will google this.
Aha. Okay. This structure is called the Castello Sforzesco, and was built in the 14th century and was used as a citadel until the 1600's. Currently, it is used to house Milan's art collections and as a place to take lovely pictures and selfies.
Then, we took our place in line to see The Last Supper! We were allowed to go in two groups-- one of 25, one of 30--in shifts, because the room with the fresco is very delicate. Doors an special lighting ensure the work is not damaged by humidity or lighting that might fade the already aged paint; the result is that the room is quiet and shadowy, with the light softly focused on DaVinci's work. The work is really quite amazing. DaVinci captured a moment in time--the moment Jesus revealed that one of his disciples would betray him--and the twelve are all reacting to this new. You will find consternation, disbelief, panic, and conniving looks on the men's faces (we all know the conniving one--DaVinci painted him as the darkest and ugliest one) as Christ calmly accepts His fate in the center of the table. Everyone was hushed and awed by being in the presence of the painting, taking in the detail, the vibrant color, and the sheer amount of detail; clearly, no matter what DaVinci believed or did not believe, he knew his Bible, and created a gorgeous picture to illustrate one of the most important moments in the gospels. The fact that this work survived a door being cut into it and the bombing of both the east and west walls is a blessing.
This visit was followed by a bus ride around town with a guide to explain what we found here, and then a trip to the Milano Duomo. This church is the most beautiful one I have every seen--resplendent with lacy marble spires and glorious stained glass windows--and we had a guide to fully explain the significant parts. --One of these significances is that the relic of this church is a nail that kept Christ on the cross, while another is the statue of Bartholomew, who is portrayed after his being flayed alive. That statue is grotesque but fascinating--I cannot look away from the piece, and I find some new detail each time I visit.
Then we used our ticket to climb to the top of the church--from there, on clear days like today, we can see all the way to the Alps! I must admit that our guide was not the best. Her monotone and transparent boredom with her rehearsed words were really off-putting. I'd rather have just googled what questions I had about the place. The view, though, is perfect for taking arty pics through the buttresses and taking your breath away as you look down. There are 2,000 statues on the top of the building, and 400 inside, and all of them were moved during WWII for their safety--thank goodness--and returned later. Oy. After finding my favorite gargoyles and taking pictures of the marble lace, we went down to get gelato, do a spot of shopping, and line up for the bus!
Dinner!! Tonight, we feasted on ravioli, salad, vegetables, mozzarella, bread, and those scalloped pastries that look like clam shells. The food was delicious, and as I sit here in a food coma, I'm fighting sleep, so I'll try to add pictures in the morning--the wifi here is pretty fast. Fingers crossed!!
The painting opposite The Last Supper--the Crucifixion by Montorfano |
The Milano Duomo |
Inside the duomo--the nails are kept near the ceiling |
From the top of the duomo--see the Alps? |
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