postcards from navigli, milano

 

 

 

 

 

Navigli means “canals” in Italian. There are two main canals remaining in Milano: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, which form an upside-down V shape on a map. The Navigli neighborhood is where I called home. It is a charming area full of unpretentious cafés, boutiques, and bars, and is a hotspot for starting the weekend off with an aperitivo. I like it during the day more, because it is quiet and unassuming, and there are plenty of vintage shops to visit.

 

 

The last Sunday of each month there is a HUGE antique market in the streets surrounding the navigli, which I absolutely loved…I spent hours there each month, and highly recommend it to anyone who likes antiques/vintage. Prices are high, but it is worth a look!

For more information.

GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II. milano

Milano knows shopping, and does it in style.

ARCHITECTURE AROUND TOWN. milano

Some random amazing buildings that assault me with their beauty on the daily.

postcards from milano

Me + Duomo

I live in an area called Navigli, a chic area between two canals which are some of the only ones left from historical Milan, which had many canals, similar to Venice! Now the canals are lined with boutiques, antique shops, cafes, and bars.

Naviglio at night!

Milan has many forms of public transport, from bus to Metro to tram, seen here. And check out that wonderful architecture! More to come on that soon…

A must have for my happiness in Italy: Cioccolata calda e biscotti (hot chocolate like pudding & cookies)

 

I will be living here in Milan for three months!  These are some highlights so far.

BEAUTIFUL FROM EVERY ANGLE. florence

OFFICINA PROFUMO-FARMACEUTICA di SANTA MARIA NOVELLA. florence

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world (located on Via della Scala).
Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrivaI in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the monks’ infirmary.  The apothecary still uses the monks’ ancient recipes to this day.  The space is beautiful, and so are the products, although very expensive.  I was also in love with the extensive use of the SMN logo…a very lovely place to visit!

SANTA MARIA NOVELLA. florence

GIARDINO di BOBOLI & BARDINI. florence

Giardino di Boboli, part of Palazzo Pitti, is a gorgeous and very expansive complex of manicured gardens.  It is a great way to spend a couple of hours, and can be paired with Giardino Bardini to have a great day outside…bring a picnic!

DUOMO. florence

Usually when I am going to visit a new city, I do extensive amounts of research, and almost feel that I have been before I step off the plane.  I did not get to do this before my trip to Italy, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything I saw…this may be a new trend in the way I travel (still had to look up restaurant recommendations though…no one likes to be out in the cold on those important things!).

SCULPTURES. florence

IN FLORENCE!

My favorite city in the world.

FROM ABOVE. bologna

I had a morning to do some sightseeing, and decided to climb one of the famous Two Towers in Bologna…both of them are leaning!  I highly recommend climbing the 498 stairs to the top, as the view of the city below is well worth the climb.