Noted Milanese Guide Fabrice Reveals the Layered Cake of Milan’s Surprising History Against the Backdrop of the Exquisite Painting, Sculpture and Costume Collection of Fashion District’s Lesser Known Villa Museum the Palazzo Morando

By Cathy H. Burroughs
International Travel Writer/Blogger

On our first visit to Milan, Italy noted, knowledgeable and engaging city guide Fabrice led us into the labyrinth of Milan’s checkered history through the maze of the exceptional and lesser known former villa Palazzo Morando. Located in the center of the city’s world renowned fashion district (think Gucci, Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and others), Milan is home to the Duomo, one of the world’s largest and most architecturally intricate cathedrals, Leonardo’s masterpiece The Last Supper as well as the celebrated opera house La Scala.

Known as Italy’s hub of finance, fashion and design as well as architecture and international matters, the ancient city was twice a capital before Rome and as Fabrice illuminated against the museum’s daunting collection of canvases, sculptures, frescoes, stuccos and displays dominated and impacted by a broad array of indomitable cultural influencers: First as a Celtic settlement, then under the control of Spain; the Roman Empire; German/ Austrian rule twice: Napoleon; playing a key role in Italy’s unification, though late to join the party: the infiltration of the mafia; and, later, during the dark era, and, finally, shocking downfall of Mussolini and his reign of fascism.

The frosting on the hour plus tour was a celebration of Milan’s coffee culture at the posh nearby Marchesi 1824. I had a tres chic shakerato in a martini glass. Divine!

The lovely and tranquil, uncrowded villa museum with its exquisite courtyard, original bed chamber, impressive collection (it is also the keeper of the city’s costume and fashion collection), and, uber kind staff is FREE!

Fabrice and his illustrious city walking and custom tours complete with secret list of city’s hidden gems can be reached for bookings via WhatsApp + 393929126102.

Big thanks go to Giacomo Chieffi of YesMilano.

Cathy H. Burroughs is a widely published travel writer and blogger whose passion for Europe permeates her articles and travel coverage. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times international supplement and elsewhere. She is the travel and adventure blogger for www.journeypod.com, a lauded online luxury travel guide, and others.