Approaches into MXP
 

A couple of days ago whilst approaching MXP, No STAR was given and we were cleared direct to ODINA, from there direct to Rigon then direct to Novarra NDB. Surface wind given on the Atis was 340/07 and RWY17L. Having got to within one nautical mile from Novarra, we were told to take up the hold. Sadly, the procedure was not on any chart in use, and was only found on the 35 ils plate. Halfway through the hold entry (parallel) we were then cleared to MAL Vor for a VOR/DME approach, yet again we were not informed the ILS was out of service. We were told to maintain 6000 feet even though the procedure platform height is 5000 feet. After leaving the VOR outbound we were cleared 5000 feet and cleared the approach.

I felt that this was becoming a potentially dangerous situation in view of the location of the airfield.

Anyone experience similar here?

Sounds familiar.

We had to fly the VOR/DME to RW 17L at night. The ATC needed a lot of prompting to descend us to the published height at the beacon; I recall them prompting us to go visual !

Also recall the problem with late hold entry with no hold information on the arrival plate.

But then, of course, this is Italy.