I am going to Milan in August for two days but heard from friends that many things will be closed. Does anyone know whether that is true?

I am arriving on a Thursday evening and leaving Saturday evening. I'm looking to do some shopping so I am hoping that the shops will be open. This is my first trip to Milan so if you have any tips, please let me know.

Thanks.

FERRAGOSTO = August-holidays in Italy means many, too many Restaurants, theatres, opera etc. are closed. - sorry!

(but at least, those that are closed will not go on strike ...).

Most Italians leave the cities in August and head for the beach primarily and some head for the cooler mountains. Infact I read in CorriereDS a few days ago that the major cities will be half empty this year (as in past years). In Rome in August all you can seem to find are tourists so yes many things are closed.

If you only have two days though there will be enough open for you to occupy yourself. Pick up an eyewitness guide before you go.

Very funny Rudi

While many small businesses (family-run and individual shops and restaurants) do close for part or all of August, many visitor-oriented sites and businesses are very much open in August.

For the short duration of your particular visit, I'm sure you'll find open major attractions like, to name just two, the Duomo and the church refectory where the LAST SUPPER fresco is situated (from memory, I think it's something like Santa Marie della Grazie, but I could be wrong). Check out the opening and closing hours of these attractions carefully (they can be irregular) and if you find an option to buy advance tickets, I urge you to avail yourself of it. For shopping, one entrance to the glass-roofed Galleria is right across from the Duomo, and on an August stroll a couple of years ago, everything seemed open (and busy)!

One tip (and I apologize for not having the name of the place) - although GELATO is widely available (and puts the horrible American imitation to shame), there is a specific gelato shop, not too far from the center, that is said to be the best in the city - your hotel might have the name - open very late, very modern decor (including giant pieces of fruit), people of all ages spilling out into the street enjoying the heavanly ambrosia that is gelato

Lastly - although there may be tours available and its museum is worth visiting, unfortunately nothing will be playing at Teatro alla Scala. The season ended last month (with West Side Story of all things) and the company will visit Japan before getting ready for the 2000-2001 season opener (always on St. Ambrose Day, Dec. 7. As a rule, opera in Italy in August revolves around festivals, many in or around the birthplaces of the various composers, such as Torre de Lago, Pesaro etc.


[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited 08-01-2000).]

West side story at La Scala? What next, The Mikado? Never thought I would see the day.

I think it's a reflection of the very high esteem that Leonard Bernstein is held in Italy (and Europe - the July issue of Opera News (Opera Snooze) has a number of articles on LB if you're interested).

bagold: Here's a link for a very nice web site for the Scala Theatre museum. And also, a hint/warning: Notice that the museum is closed on August 15th - this is (if my old Catholic knowledge hasn't succumbed to pre-alzheimers) the Feast of the Assumption, and it is a major holiday in that part of Europe - many more places may close down specifically for this holiday, and it falls this year on a Tuesday, so be careful for 4-day holidays (a few years ago I was in Antibes/Juan les Pins during this feast day and just about everything (except hotels and the such) were shut down.
http://www.museoteatrale.com/

yes - 15th august is Maria Himmelfahrt / Assomption / Assunzione / Assumption.

in swiss cantons with a catholic majority of the population (that's half of all 26 cantons) this is a major holiday too.

... not in Zurich

Best advice for the Last Supper. If you wish to see the Last Supper, make advance reservations. Only small groups (~20?) are allowed in to see the Last Supper at a specific reserved time, for 15 minute intervals. Many tour groups book up entire time slots months in advance. If you do not have reservations,you can risk walking up and checking for cancellations, but I wouldn't risk it. When you are there, pay the $4 for the self guided audio tour as it gives really good explanations and is worth the small price.

The Last Supper is only about a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest subway.

Enjoy

Wow... thanks for all the good advice! This is great information and more than I had expected.

I am planning to go on August 17-19, so it sounds like they will really be shut! Now, I need to see whether I should go or not? In addition to the sightseeing, I was hoping to do some shopping and get some Italian brand clothes that are suppose to be cheaper in Italy than the States, but that plan may not work this time!

Here's a link to a site with lots of Milan information. Click on MUSEUMS for information on advance tkts to the Last Supper and click on WHATS ON and then GENERAL NOTE for a short but concise discussion about what's open and closed during August.
http://www.hellomilano.it/