Milan is the main city of northern Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Milan became one of the most highly developed urban centers in Europe. The Duomo is the symbol of Milan. In European terms, Milan‘s metropolitan area is a part of the so called Padan Megalopolis.
By population, Milan is Italy‘s largest city and the 3rd Metro Area of the EU. Municipal borders wrap a relatively small area—about one-eighth that of Rome—because of the historical high density of population centers in agriculturally rich Lombardy. The heavily urbanized area centered in Milan includes some Swiss territories in southern Canton Ticino: this does not imply any kind of administrative unity, though.
The city is one of the world‘s major commercial and financial centers, and one of the wealthiest cities in the European Union. Milan is one of the world capitals of fashion—along with New York City, Paris, London, Tokyo and design. Indeed the English word milliner is derived from the name of the city.
The Lombard metropolis is famous for fashion firms and shops (via Montenapoleone) and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo, reputed to be the world‘s oldest shopping mall. Another famed Milanese product is the traditional Christmas sweet cake, called Panettone. Milan is also famous for the Alfa Romeo motorcar and for its silk production; but on the whole relies on its directional functions for the whole of Lombardy, its once proud and strong industrial base having been externalized throughout the region in the 60s-70s of the last century.
The city hosted among other events the World Exposition in 1906, the football World Cup in 1934 and 1990, the football Euro Cup in 1980, and plans to host the World Expo of 2015.
Milan is one of the major financial and business centres of the world. The city is the seat of the Italian Stock Exchange (la Borsa Italiana)"Piazza Affari" and its hinterland is an avant-garde industrial area. Fiera Milano, the city‘s Exhibition Center and Trade Fair complex, is notable.
This new fairground, in the north-western suburb of Pero and Rho (opened in April 2005), is Europe‘s largest open construction project, making Fiera Milano the largest trade fair complex in the world. Milan is one of the world capital for fashion and the world leader for design.
Milan is rich in art, history and culture, and is the business, design and fashion centre of Italy. The economic heart of the country, the city offers visitors an interesting blend of modern innovation and deep-rooted cultural tradition, and many Hotel are located in the heart of Milan means the hotels are perfectly placed for visitors to discover all its intriguingly different aspects.
Known for its concentration of designer shops and boutiques, Milan is also home to the world-famous La Scala opera house, the magnificent Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, all of which are within easy access from the hotel. Milan's fashion district features great designers' showrooms in Via Sant'Andrea, Via della Spiga, Via Gesù, Via Borgospesso, Via Santo Spirito, Via Verri and of course Via Montenapoleone. Important jewellery, design and furnishing showrooms can also be found here.
The town is also one of the richest cities in the European Union.
GO THERE FOR
History: The Cathedral placed in Piazza del Duomo was founded in 1366 on the site where the old church of Santa Maria Maggiore used to stand, the monumental cathedral of Milan, it is one of the very few examples of flamboyant Gothic architecture in Italy. There are also some other interesting places to visit, such as galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, Il Castello Sforzesco and charming areas as Brera or Navigli.
Art: Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper painting and the Pinacoteca di Brera, of the finest galleries for Medieval and Renaissance Italian art are considered some of the main treasures of Milan. Palazzo dell’Arte (Trienale), placed on Sempione’s park used to host different styles and high quality exhibitions from fashion to photography.
Special Events: Many visitors come for design fairs, such as Milan Fashion Week, the furniture show and the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, held every year. During the latter, the city transforms itself, as every available space is turned into a showroom.
Shopping: Lots of visitors come to Milan for the shopping. You can enjoy streets such as via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni or Via della Spiga, which are considered to be the world's fashion point of reference all over the world. There is no better place, as the stores are so close together and always sell things that you won’t find anywhere else. You are sure to find everything you want.
The food: It is a city where you will find many restaurants and bars to enjoy a meal. You will be able to enjoy restaurants and bars that are both traditional and which boast top design and modern styles. Something found all over Milan is the aperitif, which most bars will offer you everyday from 18h30. The powerful and unique atmosphere combined with the Italian food will make you have an unforgettable experience.
Nightlife: People from all over the world enjoy cool, unique and prestigious nightclubs. Armani privè, Just Cavalli, Gatopardo, Nephenta, Lotus or Hollywood are just some examples of these exclusive nightclubs.
DON'T MISS
History: The Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo was founded in 1366 on the site where the old church of Santa Maria Maggiore used to stand. It is one of the very few examples of flamboyant Gothic architecture in Italy. There are also some other interesting places to visit as Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle, Il Castello Sforzesco and some charming areas as Brera or Navigli.
Art: Leonardo da Vinci painted the Last Supper here, and the Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the finest galleries for Medieval and Renaissance Italian art. Palazzo dell’Arte (Trienale) placed on Sempione’s park hosts different styles and high quality exhibitions of fashion photography.
WHAT TO SEE
History: If you are looking for a taste of history, the monumental cathedral of Milan is one of the most incredible churchs of Italy and an excellent example of Gothic style.
The Sforzesco Castle, one of the most famous monuments in Milan, has seen long historical vicissitudes during the past years.
The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is of prime importance to Milan because it was founded by, and dedicated to, Ambrose, the Ancient Roman-born citizen who was elected bishop of the city by popular acclaim, in 374 A.D.
Art and Architecture: Leonardo Da Vinci Last Supper painted in 1495 is an unique piece of Art placed in Milan which shows the declaration of Christ to the apostles in the last dinner: “One of you shall betray me”.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the finest galleries for Medieval and Renaissance Italian art. Famous works include Raphael's "Marriage of the Virgin", Piero della Francesca's altarpiece with the Duke of Urbino, and Mantegna's Dead Christ in dramatic foreshortening.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, that has always been the traditional meeting-place for an informal business discussion, socializing, or just watching the people of Milan go by. Now you can find exclusive shops as Louis Vuitton and Prada inside it.
Teatro alla Scala was built from 1776 to 1778, following the destruction of the Regio Ducale Teatro (built 1717) that had formed part of Palazzo Reale in Piazza Duomo. The theatre is so compact as to make the audience feel part of an exclusive club.
Shopping: The whole city is crowded of shops with the best brands and shops. It is considered a point of reference in fashion all over the world. It is divided by different areas within different styles as Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni with all luxury brands, Corso di Porta Ticinese with more casual and alternative brands and Via Torino and surroundings of Il Duomo where are placed lots of international feasible brands for all kind of consumers.
The Duomo
One of the largest churches in Europe and the symbol of Milan, its construction started in 1386 and ended in the late 19th century. It is made in white Candoglia marble, and characterised by 3400 statues and its fabulous stained-glass windows.
Such a huge monument requires endless attentions and restoring works; scaffolds are to be seen all the time around the Duomo. In Milanese dialect, "fabrica del domm" (Duomo's factory) is an expression used to indicate lenghty and somewhat complicated operations.
Teatro alla Scala
One of the world's most famous opera houses, owes its name to Santa Maria della Scala, the 1381 church it was built upon. The traditional opening night of the opera season always takes place on 7th December, feast of Sant'Ambrogio, patron saint of Milan.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
A wonderful structure with a glass roof, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to visit its traditional cafes, bars, bookshops and the legendary Prada boutique. It connects the Duomo with the famous opera house, La Scala, and is one of the most prestigious shopping arcades in Italy.
Poldi-Pezzoli Museum
Formerly the abode of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, this magic "house-museum" contains a precious private collection started in 1881 featuring paintings, sculptures, watches, glass works and textiles, weapons and armour from ancient Roman times to the 18th century. It is now home of a research institute.
Brera
This is one of the most charming areas in the old part of Milan, with its original shops, art galleries, street painters and antiques stores. During the 50s and 60s, the district became a favourite gathering place for artists of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. Today this area is still renowned for its bars, clubs, restaurants and nightlife.
Pinacoteca of Brera
The Brera Art Gallery holds one of Italy's most important art collections, featuring masterpieces by leading Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th century including Raphael, Mantegna, Piero della Francesca and Caravaggio. The Pinacoteca is housed in a beautiful baroque palazzo dating back to the 17th century, which also contains the Biblioteca Braidense and Academy of Fine Arts.
Castello Sforzesco
Built in 1368 as a fortress by Galeazzo II Visconti, the Sforza Castle was enlarged during the 14th century by Gian Galeazzo. Later Filippo Maria transformed it into a splendid ducal palace. Francesco Sforza, who became Lord of Milan in 1450, together with his son Lodovico il Moro, turned it into one of the most magnificent Italian Renaissance courts. Napoleon later built the imposing boulevard leading from the Castle's Sempione park to the Arco della Pace, raised in resemblance of the Arc de Triomphe. The castle features a library, various collections (including Egyptian mummies!) and a few frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci.
The Last Supper
One of Leonardo's most famous works of art, also know as "Il Cenacolo". Da Vinci had experimented a type of painting, but already in 1556 Arts biographer Giorgio Vasari noticed it was starting to fade. The passing of time and the bombings of 1943 did not help protect it. The refectory containing this fresco can now be accessed only by appointment, and by a limited number of visitors.
BASICS
Carabinieri: 112
Police: 113
Fire Department: 115
Emergency Ambulance: 118
Road Police: 02 326781
City Police: 02 77271
GETTING AROUND
From the airport…
Airports:
Orio al Serio flight information - http://www.sacbo.it/Airpor/portalProcess.jsp +39 035 326323
From train stations…
Railways:
Trenitalia Central Station:+39 02 892021
FS Porta Garibaldi Station: +39 02 6552078
Around town…
Public transport works quite fluent in the centre of the city and is mainly composed by taxis, buses, trams, underground, bike sharing and car sharing.
Taxi service: If you are calling a taxi within Milan, you should call: +39 02-8585 - +39 02-4040 - +39 02-6969
WHEN TO GO
The flow of visitors changes depending the season and special events which are carring on in the city. These special events attract many people to the city, which make it almost impossible to get a room in any hotel of Milan and surroundings. Women Milan Fashion’s shows usually takes place on September and February but these dates change from year to year while Men’s Fashion Week usually takes place on the end of January and June.
