Milan has always been invaded by many tourists throughout the year coming to see its world-renowned fashion, the Duomo and, why not, for its unusual museums. As is well known, there are many things to see in Milan, but also far away from exposure, the city hides secret locations or that perhaps you did not know because in such confusion may go unnoticed, but always tell a story.
If you are in town or you are planning to go, or you just want to take a special tour, here you can find eight things of Milan that maybe you did not know they existed. Ready to discover them?
The lift of the Seventh Heaven
In Milan Cathedral it is preserved one of the most important relics of Christianity: one of the nails of the Christ's Cross. The lift of Nivola is shaped like a little cloud and it was built in 1600.
Twice a year is still used when the bishop goes on and it's lift up to 40 meters above the altar, where it's possible to catch one of the most valuable assets of the cathedral, a few days later, he goes again to reposition the relic in its own place.
The damage of a Bomb
In Republic Square you can still see the consequences of the three bombings in August 1943 that convinced Italy to sign an armistice with the Allies.
The bomb shrapnel pierced a lamppost, remained in that position ever since. Probably the monument to the fallen people less celebrated in the world.
The ear on the wall
This sculpture is located in Via Serbelloni 10, in a building called Ca' de l'Oreggia (House of the Ear), right next to the front door. Made of bronze and enriched with a few tufts of curly hair, it was installed in the mid-twenties with the intercom function: a pipe linking the statue to the office of the house's keeper, so that visitors could announce in this giant ear 70 cm high.
Despite this intercom is no longer in use, it was maintained on the facade.
The church of San Bernardino
It is one of the most disturbing points of Milan. Located in the central Saint Stephen Square, once there was a hospital nearby, where lepers were cared, and a cemetery charnel built specifically to house the victims of this terrible disease.
In 1626 the church was partly rebuilt and expanded to fill the space that was previously the cemetery: the decision of the macabre decorations from here. After a short and narrow corridor leads to a decidedly horryfing chapel: all the walls are covered with human bones and skulls.
The secrets Navigli
A trip back in time to an alternative route that passes from one of the busiest places in the city, the Navigli. Along the most distant from the chaos of local streets, you can meet some still alive monuments of Milan's past as the Circle of Rowing along the Alzaia Naviglio Grande.
In via Tobagi then there is the oldest furnace still in operation, Furnace Curti, founded in 1450; do not miss one of the many pearls scattered along the busy streets of Milan, the church of San Cristoforo on the Naviglio, a splendid example of Romanesque and Gothic, built after the end of the epidemic of plague in 1399.
Via Bagnera
Strange but true it is the narrowest but also darkest street of Milan. Located near the central Via Torino, one of the shopping streets that comes from the heart of the city: the road is very small, and today it's made almost brightened by murals and colorful designs, but its past speaks of brutal murders. Here infact four crimes were committed and it's saying that even today, the killer's ghost still roams the street: if you love the mystery, this is a secret corner to discover.
The road of the gnomes
They call it the way of the mushroom houses or even the gnome road because, half-hidden by vegetation, there are still eight of twelve circular igloo houses designed by architect Mario Cavallè in 1946. They are located in Via Lepanto, in the Maggiolina district, north of Milan.
Diameter of 7.5 meters and height of just over three meters, with an area of 45 square meters, an additional basement, and the surrounding garden, today someof them are still inhabited.
The most disturbing facade of Milan
It's called The Wall of Dolls and is located within walking distance from the columns of San Lorenzo, in via De Amicis, where there is a wire mesh behind a wall.
There are hanging dolls made by fashion artists, other dolls have been donated by associations that have joined the initiative to raise public awareness to the problem of violence against women. The effect, however, is somewhat disturbing.
Milan is definitely a city full of things to do and to see, so many good things to eat, hostels to sleep and, as we have seen, places to be dsicovered. A city that you'll hardly forget.
Cover Photo By Giustino
