Milan August 18, 2018

Saturday morning's first incredible attraction was the main reason why this city was chosen for the first few days of this trip, the pre-cruise part. The visit to Leonardo's "Last Supper" meant Dan was able to see the most important art work he'd explained in his classes for 46 years, but had never visited. Jim also loved the fresco. Who wouldn't? It's all about humanity, aspirations to divinity and perfect harmony. Next to the room of the Leonardo is the beautiful church of S. Maria delle Grazie, begun as a Gothic basilica but finished with Braumante's harmonious dome and apse, a Renaissance marvel and inspiration for later architects.Then we walked to the huge Sforza Castle, where we toured the Museum of Ancient Art (see photo of Dan and the XIV Century statue of Bernabo Vistcounti,) the Picture Gallery; the Museum of Musical Instruments; and
Michaelangelo's "Rondanini Pieta," a separate attraction. But the medieval fortress itself is the most impressive element of the castle. After hunting down ravioli for lunch in the train station, we rested at the hotel. The afternoon's adventures included a return visit to La Scala's Theatrical Museum. The last attraction of the day was a visit to the Ambrosiana Gallery and Library. In some beautifully displayed galleries the museum's most illustrious treasures were a Leonardo "Portrait of a Musician" and Caravaggio's elegant "Basket of Fruit," a small gem. Dinner was at another fine Milan eatery, the Hosteria Della Musica. - Dan