Living in Centro Storico, the heart of 'Area C', it was bound to happen. We rent cars for business…read moreand every time we drive through the area must pay the €5 Area C fee. One time, we did not pay within the 24 hour window, and received a ticket, several months after. So, down to the police station to pay our fine. This station is not close to the metro so after taking the train to Porta Romana, we walked quite a few blocks. When we approached the main entrance, an officer standing guard there pointed us in the correct direction. We waited just a minute in line at Information. We are still learning Italian, and are getting 'pretty' good, but not great so trying to translate was interesting. We thought we had paid on time and they were trying to explain we were late. Luckily, a kind by stander who spoke both Italian and English assisted and we sorted it out. We were given a number and sat in the waiting area for our turn. I must say both the people working at Information were very nice to us and took quite a bit of time explaining why we received the fine. It was all very courteous. There are two electronic boards in the waiting area that show what numbers are being served and a computer generated voice that calls out the number when it changes. Walk through the red doors to the 'station' indicated on the computer board next to your number, pay the fine, and that's it. It was a bit of a wait, but very organized and they DO take credit cards. I hope you never have to stop by, but if you do, I hope this helps make it a bit less scary.

Prepare yourself to wait: bring a book and don't rely too much on your cell phone - sometimes the…read morereception inside the building is not so great. In general, the employees are courteous and reasonably helpful, though I think it's best to do your homework online before going in. I've received erroneous information in the past and the last thing you want to do is make a second trip to get your paperwork done. Before stepping foot in this place, make sure that the service you want isn't available on the website. Many certificates can be easily ordered online now and there's even a number you can call 24 h a day.

Fantastic visit to the Duomo di Milon, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint…read moreMary, during our visit to Italy. It's the largest duomo in Italy (St Peter's is in the Vatican) and we both thought it's the most impressive on the outside. The history of the duomo is fascinating as you will learn about its construction on the tour. BTW, there are basically 3 areas to tour 1) duomo outside and interior 2) exterior roof tour, and an artifacts tour underneath the main floor. Construction began in 1386 and the cathedral wasn't officially completed until the 20th century. The architectural influences in that time are incorporated - medieval, Renaissance and later. Unlike most cathedrals, you can walk extensively across the roof during the roof tour between the flying buttresses, and pinnacles. The roof has 135 spires and thousands of statues, making the exterior astounding! At the top of the central spire stands the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the symbol of Milan. The interior is very unique as well. One of the most unusual features - an astronomical clock built in 1786!At solar noon, sunlight passing through a tiny opening creates a spot of light on the line, allowing the cathedral's astronomers to determine true solar noon. Check it out - you will be glad you did!

Beautiful architecture, inside and out. The inside was busy but I was lucky enough to go during…read moreSunday mass, which probably accounted for half the people in there. I had to leave for another experience and came back later to see the Crypt. Some of the staff gave me a hard time about coming back in, wondering why I needed to leave even though I explained I didn't want to wait for 2 hours in the cathedral. I was able to visit the Crypt, which is only open for a short while. It's a beautiful experience if you're able to fit it in. Taking photos inside the Crypt is prohibited. Outside is very busy so be cautious of pick pockets and scammers...they are everywhere. Toilets are available to one side but for a fee.

10€ entrance with guided tour only...scheduled tours in multiple languages...waiting by the pool…read morefor 1 hour tour to start...enclosed cafe restaurant by the pool...villa necchi campiglio is definitely worth a visit... house of italy's famous necchi manufacturing family...necchi sewing machines...the house is extremely modern for it's time period of 1930s...enormous pocket doors throughout to section off the rooms or have an open floor plan...each bedroom massive...artwork and personal items still fill the house...servants' quarters and separate stairways...downstairs kitchen with dumbwaiters to bring the food up...servants and work was kept out of sight...massive library, fireplaces and hunting gun collection...double glass wall sunroom to keep area comfortable all through 4 seasons....

Beautiful private home now managed by RAI, featured in the gorgeous Tilda Swinton film "I Am Love"…read more This is a must for design lovers. It's not huge but there is so much to enjoy from the architecture, art work inside, and interior design. Join a guided tour (Italian or English) which takes just over 1 hour -- the guides are passionate about art and know a lot about the villa and its previous owners. There is also a cafe on site overlooking the swimming pool.