Vernon Dale
Google
25 July 2025
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of learning about Milan with
Barbara as our personal guide. From our initial encounter, she asked about
what was important to us and adapted her time to our interests. With
Barbara’s first friendly smile we both relaxed!
The guidebooks and the group tours can be helpful but our time with Barbara
made Milan come alive! We referred to Barbara as our “professor.” As she
shepherded us through the mobs of tourists, bypassed the long (no wait) entry
lines, she shared her love for the city: it’s incredible history and culture. We
developed an understanding and a deep respect for the city. It changed the
way we see things. How can tourists “comprehend” the challenges of
construction and artistry over 600 years (of constant style change!)? There is no
way a check list or even a group tour of “highlights” could have been as
thought provoking or as enjoyable.
One of the highlights, of course, was the Duomo (Santa Maria Nascente
Cathedral). A day, a week, even months wouldn’t be enough time to grasp how
600 years of architecture and artistry could coalesce into what we now see as
the Cathedral of the Madonna. Yes, we visited the highlights of the Cathedral.
And there, in the midst of 100’s of ancient stained-glass window was a Star
Wars window! The history of the construction of the Cathedral (14thth to 20thth
centuries) was fascinating: it’s survival during WW2- astonishing. And yes- we
visited the roof top of the Cathedral! Little did we know how fortunate we were
to have visited the Cathedral before the heat of the day and the crush of the
crowds!
Another astounding day with Barbara included the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana to
view collections of DaVinci, Raphel, Botticelli, Caravaggio and others. The
library was founded in 1607 with thousands of art books- had the actual Da
Vinci codices on display (in glass exhibits, of course!). But then-crypt! The San
Sepolcro Crypt was not on our “to see list!” However- what a surprise! The
Church is entirely underground with huge, vaulted ceilings and a history that
goes back to Roman times! Thanks to Barbas, we didn’t bypass this gem.
Better yet, we appreciated the visit!
Finally, a visit to The Last Supper by Leonardo DaVinci on the walls of the
refectory wall of the Dominican convent. With Barbara’s focus on “restoration with historical authenticity” we viewed the painting with new appreciation
Barbara’s friendly professionalism and genuine love for Milan made our time
in Milan -unforgettable! When you plan a trip to Milan, put the guidebooks
aside, do yourself a favor, -call Barbara!
