Pietro Spica is a typical contemporary Milanese. In other words he was not born in Milan but arrived here in 1956, at the age of 3. He has also spent a significant part of his life in Massachusetts. While he sees the island of Minorca (in Spain, just an hour’s flight from Milan) as his buen retiro, he considers Milan his Home. He loves Milan for its multi-faceted, multi-cultural aspects that he reflects in his artworks, which are imbued with creative genius and a love of light, color and almost childish candor, that give his viewers a feeling of joy and pleasure. We asked him to design this month’s cover of Where Milan.

Here is a quick introduction to Pietro’s places of the heart between the centre and the Ticinese district, piazza Vetra and the Navigli, the romantic side of the city.

• “Panzerotti”, a fluffy fried type of ravioli stuffed with delicious tomato and mozzarella, from Luini (via Santa Radegonda, 16), a stone’s throw from the Duomo. Just ask for “Panzerotti” and you’ll find the way;
• Pescheria da Claudio (now located in via Cusani,1), where you can savour the most delicious platters of fish and salad enhanced by a glass of sparkling white wine for just 12 euros;
• The Antica Pizzeria in via Palermo, where Pietro’s friends – Ludovico Einaudi (one of the top contemporary classical musicians), Andrea de Carlo (a well-known writer) and other celebrities gather;
• The Locanda Greca (Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 69), a cozy restaurant with a variety of delicious and creative dishes.
• And, for an original shopping experience, the HUB, a laboratory-museum owned by Barbara Zucchi (Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 69), selling brightly coloured, creative scarves and canvases.

Now for an itinerary that will only take you 75 minutes to cover:

• For a scrumptious start, we suggest Cioccolati Italiani (via De Amicis, 25 corner of corso Genova), in the middle of an area that is well worth discovering on foot.

• Then you will also find the ruins of the Roman city dating back 2,000 years and the legendary courtyard where the famous Vivaio Riva sells its flowers in one of the world’s unique venues.
• As you return to the centre, pass through the Giardinetti Calderini (between via sant’Agnese and via Nirone), and you’ll find L’Affiche art gallery (Via Nirone, 11) owned by Adriano Mei Gentilucci: in addition to being welcomed by Adriano’s charm you will also find a wide selection of posters and paintings by emerging artists.

• You have now reached one of the city’s most beautiful and hidden destinations: in corso Magenta, in the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore you will find frescoes that will literally take you breath away.

Welcome to Milan!