In April, my wife and I went to Italy for the first time–Milan, Venice, and Florence, wow! Our overseas travels have usually been to the UK and Paris in July-August. But a huge magnet drew us into Italy this spring—our granddaughter was studying in her freshman year at New York University’s campus in Florence and her 19th birthday was in late April.

Our first stop was Milan to see the magnificent Milan Cathedral. Then we saw “The Last Supper” painting by Leonardo da Vinci at St. Maria delle Grazie church. Next, we attended an opera at the fabulous Teatro Alla Scalla. At the cathedral, we saw not only the interior but also a portion of the rooftop. At the opera house, we saw Giacomo Puccini’s La Rondine (The Swallow).

Next was Venice, where our hotel was near the Piazza San Marco. Also, nearby was Church of the Pietà – Saint Mary of the Visitation. It’s known as “Antonio Vivaldi’s Church” because he became a priest there so that he could compose, teach and perform music. He was there, with several interruptions, between 1703 and 1740. He produced over 500 compositions. On 22 April, we attended an evening concert by the renowned ensemble, I Virtuosi Italiani (The Italian Virtuosos)—superb entertainment!

For more information, please see:

• https://www.teatroallascala.org/
• https://www.duomomilano.it/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_rondine
• https://www.ivirtuositaliani.eu/

Please click on any photo to enlarge it. [Photos during the performances are not permitted.]

Teartro Alla Scala Opera House, Milan:

Last Supper and Atop Milan Cathedral:

Concert at Vivaldi’s Church, Venice:

Venice Scenes: