Per le Antiche Scale

Per le Āntiche Şcale

A journey into Art and Music

What journey suggests:

The itinerary runs through the historic areas of Milan, Genoa and Como, through the picturesque villages one the Como lake. From modern squares and avenues, to narrow alleys swarming with frenzied activities, to the up-and-down along winding stairways of small lake towns… together we can discover the true and unique gems of art and universally recognized monuments but also those hidden from view, familiar only to the residents or travelers who stray off the well beaten path.

What travellers are going to see:

Monasteries and Abbeys, Churches and Chapels dating back to the VIII, IX and X centuries. Basilicas and Cathedrals of all the periods, Palaces and Villas, Parks and Gardens immersed in a lush enviroment.Opera Houses and Museums housing art collections, some of which are of considerable importance.

Walking or travelling around where: 

Milan the modern and monumental City, known for its great monuments, such as the Duomo, La Scala Opera House, S. Maria delle Grazie Church and the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the Sforza Castle and the Rondanini Pieta by Michelangelo, the Brera National Picture Gallery with its works of art worldwide famous such as Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Bellini including also a rich collection of the venetian painting. Ambling around to learn but also to have an enjoyable time, discovering step by step unusual places, interiors of Palaces and gardens not visible at first view.

Genoa residence of Doges, a powerful sea Republic, whose the history has been originated by the strong influence of those citizens of the noble families. Walking up and down through the lanes of the medieval city to see the stone towers dating back to the XII century, commonly built as residences for the nobles. We will make our way through small and crowded old squares, filled with colourful historical artisan workshops where you can see and smell the original hand made products. Seat of the ancient “Banco di San Giorgio”, the oldest bank in Italy, and with a powerful naval fleet, Genoa in the Middle Ages is considered the most important Centre of commercial and financial activities. Illustrious monuments of its past are St. Laurent Cathedral and Via Aurea, a spectacular road of the XVI century flanked by contemporary noble Palaces designed by famous architects of the Renaissance Age. Rubens has made a detailed book on the Architecture in Genoa, describing the majestic Palaces of the XVI century built along the noble road.

Travelling by taking a boat for a pleasant excursion is the best way to visit the historical Villas and the parks of Como Lake. A romantic and charming setting, framed by the Alps bordering the northern part of the lake and the picturesque villages all around; Bellagio with Villa Melzi surrounded by a garden “all’italiana”, symmetric and flowered beds and paths with mythological and allegorical statues, which inspired Franz Liszt to write one of his most famous compositions: The Dante Symphonie. Tremezzo with Villa Carlotta, a XVII century noble Villa, now an important Museum keeping a considerable collection of neoclassical works, paintings and sculptures by Canova, Thorwaldsen and artists of the Academy of Art (Accademia Di Belle Arti). Cernobbio with Villa D’Este, an imposing XVI century Villa on the western shore of the lake, which belonged to different illustrious owners, like cardinals and princesses and counts from England and Germany. Como with Villa Olmo, a sumptuous, once private residence, built based on neoclassical style at the end of the XVIII century. Now the Villa is used for important cultural and artistic manifestations by the Municipality of Como.

“Per le Antiche Scale" is not simply a ordinary visit. It’s an exciting experience for visitors interested in the Italian tradition of Music and Opera, with its protagonists, Verdi and Rossini, Paganini and Vivaldi. Life-stories and anecdotes, papers and scores to be found in interesting collections spread in many specific museums of the Country, Portraits of famous singers and composers, choreographs and dancers, businessmen and conductors of all periods who have contributed to enrich the name of the Opera Houses. A visit or lecture on a specific subject or theme on some of the Lyric Theatres are the central themes of focuse: La Scala the Milanese Opera House,  the Carlo Felice Opera House in Genoa and many other historical Opera Houses, unknown or minor Lyric Theatres spread everywhere in the country, from the north to the south and very important for the History of Music. Beyond the scenes or on the stage, in the foyer or in the boxes listening, or enjoying the experience of Opera with its plots, (enjoying the experience) of the Orchestra with all the musical instruments. The voice of a tenor or soprano, of the virtuosity of a pianist.

 Spoken languages

Italian

French

English