Milan, the capital of Lombardy is a city in northern Italy, well-known as the capital of fashion, is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. is a place that surprises us because of the emotions it gives, it is a cultured, modern, lively city rich in works of art. Milan served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Duchy of Milan, and the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.
The city of Milan is sophisticated, glamorous, and cosmopolitan, a place full of possibilities for any kind of tourist. It is a destination that works for those who seek a few days of relaxation, who want to make the most of the nights and nightlife, who are interested in fashion, shopping, and trends, or who simply want to spend a vacation in a European city at a good price.
The city proper has a population of about 1.4 million while its metropolitan city has 3.26 million inhabitants. Its continuously built-up urban area, which stretches well beyond the boundaries of the administrative metropolitan city, is the fourth largest in the EU with 5.27 million inhabitants. The population within the wider Milan metropolitan area, also known as Greater Milan, is estimated at 8.2 million, making it by far the largest metropolitan area in Italy and the 3rd largest in the EU.
Milan is considered a leading alpha global city, with strengths in the fields of art, commerce, design, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, services, research, and tourism. Its business district hosts Italy’s stock exchange (Italian: Borsa Italiana), and the headquarters of national and international banks and companies.
The city has been recognized as one of the world’s four fashion capitals thanks to several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, which is currently among the world’s biggest in terms of revenue, visitors, and growth.It hosted the Universal Exposition in 1906 and 2015. The city hosts numerous cultural institutions, academies, and universities, with 11% of the national total of enrolled students. Milan is the destination of 8 million overseas visitors every year, attracted by its museums and art galleries that include some of the most important collections in the world, including major works by Leonardo da Vinci.
1. The Cathedral (“Il Duomo”)
The Cathedral (“Il Duomo”), with its luminous candoglia marble façade and late Gothic architecture, is the symbolic monument of this metropolis of northern Italy. From the top, at the foot of the famous “Madonnina”, you can enjoy a unique view, with the 135 pinnacles of the church that point towards the sky dominating the whole city.
Milan is the center of many financial businesses, and its hinterland is a cutting-edge industrial area. Fiera Milano, the Exhibition Center and the Trade Fair Complex of the city, is one of the most important in the world.
That’s why Milan is the largest industrial city in Italy with many different industrial sectors such as manufacturing of fabrics and garments, cars , of mechanical tools, of heavy machinery, chemical industries.
2. Royal Palace
Another important economic sector is tourism and naturally fashion. In the heart of the city rises the Royal Palace, former seat of the city hall of Milan, today in its historic rooms are presented numerous important art exhibitions. The building is next to the modern Museum of the Novecento, which houses works of the twentieth century.
Nearby there is another symbol of the city: The Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, a passage with a cross, pedestrian and covered floor, which houses historic restaurants, bars and trendy shops. Famous for its mosaic floor and its stained glass windows that serve as a roof.
3. Teatro della Scala
For those who love music, the obligatory stage is Piazza de la Scala, with the namesake Teatro della Scala, one of the most important in the world. The Milanese theatrical tradition is also found in other theaters scattered around this magnificent city, from the Piccolo Teatro, founded in 1947, to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, considered the cabaret house.
4. Basilica of Sant’ambrogio
The city is home to numerous historical churches of particular artistic value. Among them we can mention the Basilica of San Ambrogio, one of the oldest churches in the city, built in the fourth century and the archetype of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. Of great artistic importance is the church of Santa María de las Gracias, inside which, between 1495 and 1497, Leonardo da Vinci decorated the famous Cenacle.
A masterpiece that can be admired by reserving the visit in advance. We hope you decide to visit Milano, without a doubt there are many points of reference that you can get to know in this beautiful city and in the rest of Italy.
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