Retire me to my Milan, where every third thought shall be my grave”, wrote William Shakespeare. We chose a happier occasion to pay our respects – a school trip, where every step was a lesson in history, art, and culture, and a fascinating tale of the past and presence of Milan’s rich heritage, heartfeltly told by our talented accompanying staff.

As a logical beginning of the trip, students visited the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, where they learnt the story of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, who founded the basilica in 379 AD, and explored the intricate mosaics dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Milan, in general, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches. We visited Santa Maria Del Carmine, the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, one of the oldest churches in the city, originally built in Roman times, but subsequently rebuilt several times over the centuries, and of course Santa Maria delle Grazi, which contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

In the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, established in 1618, we observed in real life a legendary da Vinci’s “Codex Atlanticus,” a treasure trove of sketches and writings that provided insights into the mind of the Renaissance genius. Of course, we spent quite some time at the Pinacoteca di Brera, housing the greatest masterpieces of Italian and foreign art from the 13th to the 20th century. Exploring the galleries’ extensive collections, students discovered masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Botticelli, gaining a deeper appreciation for the evolution of Italian art they studied in class.

We then time traveled back to Ancient Rome as we walked among the Colonne di San Lorenzo, erected in the 2nd century AD, and once adorning a temple dedicated to Hercules. What craftsmanship and engineering prowess did the ancient builders have! Of course, students walked around Piazza del Duomo, and traced the history of Milan’s most iconic landmark, the Duomo di Milano, whose construction began in 1386 and continued for over six centuries. Think of it – 600 years of hard work to bring this beauty into being!

We also didn’t miss a chance to feel the flow of history at the Castello Sforzesco and explore scientific visions and technical advancements – including some incredible airplanes! – at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci! We even caught a train (good, that we had no Annas with us though). We also visited the Muzeo Poldi Pezzoli, which opened up to students the world of decorative arts and Renaissance paintings in a collection showcasing over 5,000 works, spanning over centuries of artistic evolution.

Our school trip to Milano was not just a sightseeing tour but a journey of discovery and learning that will always stay in our minds and in our hearts..