Doors of Milan, Italy

The Doors of Milan, Italy are as interesting and beautiful as any I’ve seen in my travels.  In fact I shot so many photos I’ll never be able to share them all with you, so I will choose the ones I find most captivating.  The ones that truly cause me to stop in my tracks, take a photo and then wonder who lives or has lived there. What colors are inside this home, pets, children, what’s happening in the kitchen? Are the rooms large or small? Is it neat as a pin or messy? SO many questions!

This door was so different than many of the ancient doors of Milan. Security needed here at #55!

Milan is one big city and my Bff and I traveled around like the locals on buses and the metro.  Super easy and relaxing.  I’m finding it difficult to get in my Suburban and drive to a yoga class or to the supermarket after being whisked around by public transport for so many days.  I quickly figured out the system and we were deposited right in the area or neighborhood we chose to explore daily. We almost had the entire metro memorized stop by stop.  Every neighborhood we visited was different than the next and the doors grabbed my attention in each one.

Notice the smaller door within a door? This is seen on most doors in the Navigli area.

In the Navigli area I saw many doors within a door.  Unless you are super short you will duck to get in!  I had to duck every time we went through one as we visited a few courtyards in this area of canals with a wealth of history.  The canals of Navigli marked by two canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, are not only beautiful but functional.  They were constructed to transport cargo from the nearby lakes.  One of the most important products transported on Navigli canals was the precious marble from Candoglia, which was used to construct Milan’s cathedral, the Duomo.

Another door within a door in Navigli.

Construction began in 1179 on the oldest canal, the Ticinello and a number of other canals quickly followed.  Construction was completed in the 16th century.  Word has it that Leonardo Da Vinci played a part in the construction of these canals, making Milan one of Italy’s largest inland ports.  Now pedestrian friendly streets offer lovely strolls through the canal area.  The streets are lined with trendy bars, restaurants and art galleries.  We spent quite a bit of time in Navigli sharing cocktails, meals and cappuccinos.

Loved this door on the Navigli Grande.

One more door within a door, Navigli.

One interesting fact that was pointed out to us during a tour of Navigli is that many, many buildings in Milan are painted a yellow-brown color, along with grey and beige. Our very informative and multi-lingual tour guide, Elena clued us in that this is the color of Milan.  If you are interested in a walking tour of Navigli you can reach Elena here: elenagemelli@gmail.com

Elena and her husband, the Roman chef, Giampaolo, offer a fantastic evening of food, wine and friends in their lovely home in Navigli.  It is at the top of our list of “most enjoyed” experiences while in Milan.  You can find the experience at Dinner With Friends At A Navigli House .  Giampaolo prepares a full Italian meal complete with champagne and wine pairings, served around a cozy dinner table. We were fortunate enough to share our meal with a fantastic family from the Netherlands, a Latin American living in Milan and of course Elena and Giampaolo.  Don’t miss the opportunity to dine in Navigli House!

Back to doors, in the following door photos you will notice small slivers of yellow on the stucco surrounding the door.

Yellow – the color choice of Milan.

Yellow surrounds this ancient door.

Here is a combination of yellow and pale sienna.

Combo of Milan yellow and grey.

Milano is known as the economic center of Italy. Many headquarters of the financial industry are found in Milan. The fashion industry thrives in Milan and it shows.  Well dressed Milanese are seen all over the city.  I read so many queries regarding how Americans should dress while in Italy so as not to stand out.  Maybe impossible – I say dress as yourself, be yourself and be comfortable.  This was our method and we never once felt out of place or pegged as stupid American tourists.  This being said I want you to take a look at some of these doors of Milan, Italy where I am sure fashionistas hang their hats.

Captivating doors – larger than life.

This apartment building certainly has an impressive entrance.

Beautiful door leading to…. don’t you want to know?

I have many more doors to show you from some of our day trips – but that’s for later.  I leave you with a few more interesting doors and a couple of windows that I couldn’t resist pausing for.  Ahhhhh…. Italy still in a serious lockdown and America following suit.  Better times are ahead and I am thankful for this holiday in Italy!

Lovely doors

These doors are a bit different from the rest – a modern touch.

Love the orange color surrounding these doors.

This door leads to something very important in the Duomo – so what IS behind this door?

Beauty in windows too and check out the signage!  Texans living in Milano??

Again to reach Elena for Navigli tours her contact into is: elenagemelli@gmail.com

Or to book dinner in the Navigli home go HERE

Dinner at Navigli House

Giampaolo the roman Chef