BEING THERE

The only place to get an aerial view of Milan is the roof of the Duomo - open from 9.30-17.30 in spring and summer (closes at 16.30 from October to February). The life can be reached at the right transept. Head for the left transept if you are a fitness freak - 158 steps to the top)

Holidays

In addition to the national holidays, each major city has its own special holiday and for Milan it is 7 December, the feast of Saint Ambrose, Milan's patron saint. Festivities include a fair called 'Fiera degli oh bei oh bei' after the shouts of the merchants, which takes place in the piazza in front of the Church of Saint Ambrose. The seventh of December is also opening night at La Scala.

Even if you miss the feast, the 11th century church is worth a visit. There is also a Saint Ambrose library which contains 30,000 books including the Codex Atlantius, illustrated with drawings and sketches by Leonardo Da Vinci. Don't miss the Picture gallery (Pinacoteca Ambroisiana) with important works by Botticelli, Raphael and Titian. While you are in the area stop by the Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie and get a look at Da Vinci's 'Last Supper'