People tend to associate Milan with skyscrapers, taxis and trade fairs – however its true heart lies within its green spaces and unique cuisine.
Order busco (tripe) in a local osteria, or try cassoeula for a warming wintertime soup with pork rind, cellary leaves, onions, white wine and broth.
History
Milan was an economically vibrant center during the late middle ages, boasting a flourishing economy and many prosperous families. Milan also became an epicenter for Christianity after Constantine the Great signed an Edict of Tolerance in 313 AD that permitted Christians to freely practice. Churches were constructed including one dedicated to St Ambrose who has become so revered within Christianity that his feast day (December 7th) is commemorated each year.
By the early 17th century, Milan had begun to decline; with help from the Borromeo family’s encouragement and patronage, its cultural and economic life received new life; the Accademia di Brera was established and La Scala theatre opened. Furthermore, Milan played an essential part in Italian unification efforts known as Risorgimento during this timeframe.
After World War II Milan emerged as a powerhouse in Italy’s postwar reconstruction. Today it remains an influential center of commerce, finance, publishing and media. Furthermore, Milan is widely considered to be a fashion capital with such brands as Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabanna being located here.
The Duomo (or Cathedral) of Milan stands as its iconic symbol; its towering spires can be seen all throughout the city and it dominates its skyline. A visit would not be complete without seeing this magnificent building and taking in breathtaking views from Madonnina Hill which overlooks it all.
Visconti and Sforza dukes were two powerful families who battled each other to control the kingdom of Lombardy (from which Milan takes its name), until Visconti died in 1447 and his widow assumed power of Milan under republican rule for three years after that; then Francesco Sforza’s son-in-law took control amidst Renaissance Italy by building such landmarks as Castello Sforzesco, Ospedale Maggiore Hospital and Church Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Architecture
City architecture in Milan has long been influenced by various artistic styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque. One example of Gothic is found at Duomo Milan cathedral; constructed during the 19th century with five beautiful bronze doors containing intricate inscriptions of characters carved onto them, making for an eye-catching Gothic structure.
Sant’Ambrogio Church served as a hub of power and hosted events ranging from coronations ceremonies to democratic uprisings in Milan. Also notable is Sant’Ambrogio Basilica which was constructed in honor of Bishop Ambrose. With five beautifully carved doors and numerous visitors each year, this basilica remains one of Milan’s top attractions today.
Milan is home to some incredible architecture from every era of history, including many 20th-century landmarks like Stazione Centrale train station. Built at the turn of the 20th century and with an eye-catching iron arched rooftop design. Inside lies an assortment of shops and services including traditional Motta cafe and an eye-catching newsstand.
As part of its transformation to contemporary art museum status in 2010, Palazzo dell’Arengario deserves to be visited. Now home to 400 works from the 20th century and often described as one of the “most beautiful museums” worldwide, its redesign warrants your consideration.
Modern Milan has seen an explosion of new buildings that are changing its skyline. Two major urban regeneration projects, Porta Nuova and City Life, have drawn in leading architects from around the globe and showcased some of Milan’s historical highlights while pushing the envelope on innovation and creativity.
The City Life project features two dreamlike towers designed by Stefano Boeri known as Bosco Verticale, featuring lushly-planted facades to improve air quality and biodiversity in their surrounding area. Situated in Porta Nuova district, these towers make a striking addition to the skyline of this vibrant city. Also located here is Richard Rogers’ Generali Tower which was covered in polychrome bricks arranged to represent historical images.
Shopping
Milan, located in Lombardy region, is known for being one of the world’s fashion capitals. Renowned for its elegant boutiques and flagship stores, its shopping scene draws just as much interest as iconic structures such as Duomo di Milano cathedral and Santa Maria delle Grazie convent which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
Milan’s bustling malls feature designer wear straight off the runway, independent stores offer clothing you won’t find elsewhere and flea markets boast unique finds – offering something for every type of shopper. If you want to support local designers further than branded shops can, try secondhand or vintage stores which give old clothing new life.
Start at Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Rectangle), where you can shop for clothing and accessories by leading Italian designers. Ancient courtyards in this area serve as fashion houses’ ateliers and showrooms.
Via Sant’Andrea, known for its independent boutiques offering fashion-forward apparel to both men and women. Hotel Above Par’s Berkson suggests The Store as a boutique concept shop with an eclectic selection of hip clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, home goods from across the globe such as stainless steel bowls from India or handwoven baskets from Rwanda – you could spend days browsing their shelves!
Bivio offers designer pieces from two seasons ago at its consignment shops located in Ticinese and Porta Venezia districts. Stay up-to-date by following Bivio on social media to discover its newest secondhand arrivals.
Cormano Flea Market is Europe’s largest flea market and must-visit. Packed with pottery, household items and books – not forgetting silk! – this market offers something for everyone in its stalls; make a reservation as it can become quite crowded; spending an afternoon browsing will surely satisfy your appetite for all things fashion-and-fun – however before leaving make sure that any purchases have a clear return policy as only defective items may be eligible to be returned –
Nightlife
Milan’s nightlife scene reflects its diverse neighborhoods, ranging from elegant cocktail bars and dance clubs for an aperitivo to dancing until dawn at one of Milan’s largest clubs. Small bars with over 100 gins provide an alternative to more famous cocktail lounges while cafes and craft beer joints provide a comfortable alternative for an enjoyable evening out. Milan also features numerous restaurants serving food to meet every palate while large theaters and concert halls host numerous events that you won’t want to miss!
Tempio del Futuro Perduto is one of the city’s most notable club venues. By day it serves as a library, charity donation room and garden; by night it transforms into an eclectic techno music venue – not to mention art galleries and performance spaces within Citta Studi where this location also exists! A perfect spot to hang out and meet new people!
This club can accommodate 500 guests from Thursday to Saturday and offers professional dancers, popular DJs and an impressive sound system with light design by an internationally acclaimed designer. Additionally, there is a dance floor complete with professional dancers and world-renowned DJs who keep the crowd moving on the dance floor. It also boasts an exceptional sound system and lighting design by an international expert designer.
Clubbing in Milan is safe, but always remain vigilant of your surroundings. While petty crimes such as pickpocketing may occur occasionally, most tourists will feel very safe throughout their time there. Milan boasts an efficient metro system and multiple bus lines running late into the night; taxis can also be found easily throughout the city.
There’s plenty to do in NoLo, but for an authentic experience of city life head over to Porta Romana. This neighborhood features gorgeous 19th and early 20th-century buildings from this period – as well as homes of wealthy businessmen – making for an upscale yet laidback feel that has recently become increasingly fashionable. Ideal for exploring streets while sipping wine at one of many local bars.