I learned that the Scala is not the name of the opera house but is named for the original structure…read morethat was here originally, the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala. So there's that nugget for you. A beautiful spot to sit and watch the people, this is a lovely piazza complete with tourists, pigeons and a fabulous statue of the great Leonardo Da Vinci at the center. It is near the Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. With the La Scala on one side and the Palazzo Marino (Milan's city hall) on the other, it's a truly magnificent spot. [Review 10688 overall, 456 of 2019.]

Piazza Della Scala, a pedestrian plaza in central Milan, is one of my favorite places for people…read morewatching. Bordered by Milan's City Hall, a museum, a bank, a shopping mall and an opera house, the plaza is of a very human, manageable scale. I especially appreciate the ample seating, something that is seemingly missing in most public spaces. The statue of The Maestro, Leonardo da Vinci -- a truly remarkable man -- is just icing on the cake. I know there is an ongoing competition to redesign Piazza Della Scala. I hope they don't screw it up :) Five Stars.