Milan, known as Milano, is the capital of Lombardy, a region in northern Italy. It lies in the north of the Po River, halfway across the vast plain separating the Ticino River to the west, and the Adda River, to the east. The metropolis is located 400 feet above sea level, with the Alps rising to the skyline. It is a leading financial powerhouse and the second-largest city after Rome. Several wealthy dynasties conquered Milan before its incorporation into the Italian unification in 1860.
Milan may not be the capital of Italy, but it is the premier fashion metropolis in the picturesque country. In reality, it is considered one of the top four fashion capitals in the world. The city is not a tourist hot spot like Rome or Florence. But the crowded narrow streets can be tricky to navigate during MFW. The Milan Fashion Week takes place semiannually in February and September when many international designers host runway shows and presentations. Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani, all Milan-based brands, are a few of the major luxury houses. Aside from the fashion world, Milan is also known for art and architecture. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and a famous Gothic cathedral, the Duomo.
Historically, Milan has been a vital hub for the financial sector of Italy which means that it boasts a profusion of magnificent edifices that have benefited from centuries of architectural innovation. From Renaissance to Neoclassical, Milan has an architectural culture that spans many eras, unlike most other Italian cities characterized by one period of architecture, such as medieval Siena. After suffering extensive damage during World War II, the region has since recovered. During the Renaissance, Milan played a significant role in European politics and economics. It was famous for its silk production and weapon manufacturing. Additionally, Milan was an intermediary between northern Europe and Italy. Hence, the Milanese believe the metropolitan area to be the moral capital of Italy as their work ethic has made Milan a world leader in not only fashion and design but also finance, business services, media, and publishing.
Milan effortlessly combines old-world romance with modern technology. The fashion, food, architecture, and art capital of the country are unmissable for those who have lived in Italy. In a country brimming with natural wonders, Milan is often underrated. But, there are many reasons to visit this northern powerhouse of Italy.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO, THE CATHEDRAL SQUARE
The main square of Milan has been the commercial and cultural hub of the city for seven centuries. The Piazza is a meeting place for the Milanese and remains a popular tourist destination. It has an area of about 17,000 square meters, considering the space enclosed by the adjoining buildings from different centuries, making it one of the largest in Italy.
You will need three full days to explore all the beauties of Piazza Del Duomo unless you’re just there for the pictures and a quick overview, in which case you should make it a day trip. Piazza was created around the 14th century and has developed gradually since then, along with the Duomo. Despite its overall design dating from the second half of the 19th century, it contains significant influences from architect Giuseppe Mengoni.
Piazza del Duomo is encircled by the Cathedral of Milan, the Duomo to the east, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, the Palazzo dei Portici Settentrionali to the north, and the Carminati Palace to the west. The Palazzo dei Portici Meridionali, the Palazzo Dell’Arengario, and the Royal Palace of Milan surround the Piazza del Duomo on the southern side. The square has undergone multiple restorations. The last substantial alteration to the Piazza occurred in the Fascist era when the Arengario stood where Mengoni had planned to erect a second triumph arch opposite the Galleria. It enabled the local podestà or Benito Mussolini himself to address the population. Now, it contains a museum of 20th-century art.
Among the many historical connections of Milan, the square also offers antique valuables. Besides finding quality jewelry, books, and paintings in some of the oldest shops, you can also visit quaint cafes and restaurants, perfect for relaxing. I must warn you that it is nearly impossible to find a table during rush hour, so you might need to make reservations in advance.
THE LAST SUPPER, MURAL BY LEONARDO DA VINCI, SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE
Church of Holy Mary of Grace, Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie is a Roman cathedral and Dominican convent in Milan and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a short distance from the square. During World War II, an Allied aerial bombardment hit the monastery on 15 August 1943. While most of the refectory collapsed, some walls survived, including one that contained the mural, The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, encased in sandbags for protection. Today, the property undergoes significant preservation work to ensure its long-term sustainability.
However, what is so famous about the Last Supper, and why should you visit it while in Milan? In this artwork, Jesus and his disciples appear to be having their last dinner. The painting took place between 1494 and 1498 under the government of Ludovico il Moro. Leonardo created a great many sketches in preparation for this unique work. The mural is about 4.6 meters tall and 8.8 meters wide, created in tempera and oil on gypsum instead of the fresco technique commonly used during the Renaissance. The artist included precious details in the figures, using gold and silver foils to demonstrate his willingness to make them more realistic.
After completion, his technique and the environmental factors led to the deterioration of the wall covering, which had endured numerous restorations. In 1999, a scientific method sought to restore the original colors of the fresco, eliminating paint added in earlier attempts to repair it. The Last Supper is undoubtedly one of the most important works of art, both for its innovative approach and positive impact on artists throughout history. Leonardo’s contemporaries regard this magnificent work of art as a painting that speaks, something unheard of in art history.
TEATRO ALLA SCALA, OR LÀ SCALA
Là Scala, officially known as Teatro Alla Scala, is one of the most prestigious opera theaters in the world. It stands in the town hall square next to the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the Duomo Square. The theatre first opened in August 1778 as the Nuovo Regio Ducale Teatro alla Scala or the New Royal-Ducal Theatre alla Scala. In 1907, the original design evolved into the one we know today. The bombings of World War II severely damaged the theater in 1943. It was rebuilt and reopened in May 1946, with a concert directed by Arturo Toscanini. Teatro alla Scala has gained worldwide recognition since its construction in the mid-19th century. It hosted many famous operas, maintaining strong ties with composer Giuseppe Verdi. In 2002 and 2004, Mario Botta, an architect, designed a renovation of the theater.
Currently, La Scala has a museum that houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sketches, statues, and other artifacts related to opera. It honors the works of the greatest composers, singers, concert directors, conductors, and choirs, whose names will forever endure in the history of classical and lyric music. Among them are Alfredo Catalani, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Gaetano Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, Arturo Toscanini, Victor de Sabata, Guido Cantelli, Tullio Serafin, and many others.
VIA BRERA, BRERA GALLERIA, BRERA QUARTIERE
The scenic district of Brera is one of the most picturesque areas in Milan’s historic district. Its artistic vibe owes much to its Academy of Fine Arts and its art gallery. The Brera flea market on Via Fiori Chiari hosts an array of artists and antique vendors every month on one Sunday. You can ask the locals for the exact time and date whenever you visit. Several stylish cafés and specialty shops line Brera’s narrow streets, which come alive after sundown for an atmospheric walk through Milan.
The Brera Gallery is located within the Academy of Fine Arts and always bustles with students. The gallery ranks as one of the finest in Italy. Among the great masterpieces on display are Andrea Mantegna’s Lamentation of Christ and Raffaello’s The Marriage of the Virgin. You can book your tickets in advance, offered with entry to Santa Maria Delle Grazie, where you can avoid the line at the entrance.
CASTELLO SFORZESCO, SFORZA CASTLE
Within walking distance from the historical center is the Sforza Castle, a fortification dating from the 15th century built on the ruins of a previous medieval fortress, commissioned by the Lord of Milan at the time Francesco Sforza. Before the Unification of Italy, the palace had many masters as rulers who followed one another in history.
After World War II bombings and further restorations, the mansion became the Modern Art Gallery until the 1920s and the School of Applied Engineering Art until 1999. It is one of the most beautiful fortified structures in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The original structure served as a military citadel, which developed to accommodate the times and the governors, making it one of Milan’s most important cultural and artistic landmarks. Aside from the Art Gallery, the complex contains two Archaeological Museums separated by the Prehistoric Museum and Egyptian Museum, with numerous libraries and archives.
You can admire some of the most notable paintings by Tiepolo, Andrea Mantegna, Filippo Lippi, Canaletto, Bronzino, Tintoretto, and others. Additionally, the large area of the fortress serves for temporary courses, exhibitions, meetings, and conferences. Entry to the castle is free, but expect to pay a small amount for the museums.
APERITIVO, FOOD & DRINKS IN MILAN
A Milanese experience would not be complete without an aperitivo, an Italian pre-dinner tradition. You can choose from a wide variety of appetizers, from cut cheeses and cured meats to quiches, vegetables, pizzas, and even small plates of pasta. A common belief is that the appetizer was invented in Turin in the 18th century by the creator of vermouth. However, aperitivo hour did not take off until the 1920s in Milan, when Gaspare Campari is said to have begun mixing the cocktails now synonymous with happy hour in Italy. Aperol Spritz is the most popular cocktail to enjoy during spring and summer. But if you’re feeling daring, order a Negroni Sbagliato.
In terms of its cuisine, Milan draws upon the bounty of its surrounding mountains, coasts, lakes, and verdant farmland. Most dishes are rich and hearty, with meat, pasta, and rice taking center stage. Risotto is well-known in northern Italy, but you should try Milan’s version infused with saffron. A perfectly al dente Risotto alla Milanese should have the right savory balance of lard and parmesan, along with saffron to enhance the golden glow of its aroma. Lastly, if you eat meat, you should try the traditional Milanese breaded veal cutlet, Cotoletta alla Milanese. It is, apparently, quite flavorful.
