Just a little more about the Charterhouse

Before you go do read up a little because the guide, being a monk is not an art historian. The ground plan is a Latin cross with chapels opening along the aisles; 12 square ones and 2 rectangular ones. As they are decorated by painters of the stature of Perugino, Bergognone, il Morazzone, Procaccini, il Guercini it would have been very nice if they had been better lit. Not only do you have to try and find a good viewing position through the wrought iron bars that protect them , but it’s extremely difficult to see them. I think the problem is that it all belongs to the monks who are still praying for Gian Galeazzo (in perpetuity) and they are more interested in the spritual dimension. Elsewhere you’ll find Bernadino Luini’s outstandingly beautiful ” Madonna of the Carnation”. The gipsoteca is well worth a visit, and should be more than a hurried afterthought to your visit. Back to Milan. I want to go into the station to buy a slice of pizza. I approach the trendy young man at the barrier and he says” NO”. What? That’s a word I don’t often hear.” But I only want a slice of pizza. I’ve been on one of your trains today. I’ve got an underground ticket.” Still no. “Ok where can I buy a platform ticket?”” You can’t. You have to be going somewhere”. Damn, I’m not used to no’s. I go to look for the pizza place on the other side of the barrier but of course he actually meant outside the station, so I march back forcefully to complain. Another barrier attendant evidently fearing my wrath or maybe pitying a poor, tired soon-to-be extra-communitarian, waves me in. Thanks, sometimes Italian rule- bending works in one’s favour!