Social activity

On Wednesday afternoon, there will be a social activity in the Milan city center, followed by the conference dinner... We will leave the conference venue around 3pm, and reach the Brera district by public transportation. 

Brera Astronomical Observatory 

In 1877, Mars was in close opposition to Earth, allowing Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli to create a detailed map of the planet's surface. His map depicted numerous linear features, which he called canali—a term that was later mistranslated as "canals." These features sparked worldwide speculation, with some suggesting they were evidence of an advanced civilization. This debate persisted until more accurate images of the planet became available, revealing that the so-called canali were merely optical illusions, a result of the human brain's tendency to impose patterns.

Schiaparelli conducted many of these observations at the Brera Observatory, located in the Milan city center, where he served as the director. This highlights the significance of the observatory in the astronomical community.

As a social activity, we will visit the observatory and its museum. The observatory staff have kindly agreed to organize dedicated visits. We promise there will be Martians.

Logistics

• From Bicocca to Brera: take the Purple metro Line from Bicocca, heading towards San Siro Stadio. At Zara, change to the Yellow Line towards San Donato and get off at the Montenapoleone stop. The observatory is approximately 400 meters from the metro station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, including the time to reach the metro station from the university and the walk from the metro to the observatory.

• To visit the museum, we need to split into groups of up to 30 people.

• The duration of the visit is approximately 30 minutes, with the first group starting promptly at 15:45.

• Sign up for the timeslot you prefer at https://tinyurl.com/sigravsignup

In the meantime, while waiting for your group’s turn or after the visit, don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Brera district! 

Following the visit, there will be our conference dinner at a nearby restaurant, Osteria del Treno. It can be reached on foot with a 25-minute walk or by Metro (2 stops) from the Brera district. Dinner starts at 19.30.

the Brera district

Brera is a charming and vibrant neighborhood, rich in art, culture, and history. Home to the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera, it features picturesque streets lined with galleries, boutique shops, and beautiful historic landmarks. The following places are, in our opinion, the must-sees of this district. 

Brera is also filled with cafés and bars, where we recommend trying the most iconic Milanese cocktail: the Negroni Sbagliato.

1. Orto Botanico di Brera Tucked away behind the southern walls of Palazzo Brera lies the Botanical Garden, a lush and romantic oasis nestled among Milan’s cityscape. This historic garden is officially recognized as a museum, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

2. Pinacoteca di Brera A renowned art gallery in Milan, housing a prestigious collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.

3. Palazzo Citterio Set to become an extension of the Pinacoteca di Brera, it showcases modern and contemporary art within its elegant 18th-century architecture.

4. Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense One of Italy’s most important national libraries, located in Palazzo Brera, houses a vast collection of historical manuscripts, rare books, and literary treasures.

5. Basilica e Chiostro Grande di San Simpliciano The Basilica di San Simpliciano is one of Milan’s oldest churches, founded in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose. Featuring Romanesque architecture with later Renaissance additions, it is known for its stunning frescoes. After visiting the Basilica, continue along the right side of the church, pass the beautiful little green square, and enter the Chiostro Grande of the San Simpliciano convent (entrance is free).

6. Chiesa di San Marco An historic 13th-century church featuring Gothic and Baroque elements. According to tradition, it was dedicated to St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, in gratitude for the city's support during the 12th-century war against Frederick Barbarossa.

7. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine An historic church known for its striking Neo-Gothic façade and rich artistic heritage. 

... and of course if you've never been to Milan, the Duomo cathedral is just a few metro stops away. Here is a walking tour of the Brera area prepared by Giulia