Information about Milan
Milan is Italy’s second largest city and capital of Lombardy. The city was founded in 600 B.C by the Celts and, by the time the Romans came, it was already an important trade hub.
Modern Milan receives world-wide fame and is considered to be Italy’s most cosmopolitan city. Milan’s all about fashion and design; just walk by the centre of the city and you’ll immediately come across the “headquarters” of designers like Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Armani!
Twice a year, Milan hosts Fashion Week, an international fashion event that attracts the world's top fashion professionals, as well as fashion fans from around the world!
Art, culture and creativity dominate Milan. Everywhere you look there’s a museum, a gallery or a grand theatre like the famous Milan Opera. And you just want to relax, you can always lose your way wandering endlessly around the city’s lesser streets; with a gelato on one hand and a big smile on your face!
Airport
Milan’s international airport (Milano Malpensa) is located 40 kilometres northwest of the city centre and can be reached by buses and trains.
Getting around Milan
Milan’s public transportation system consists of metro (4 lines), suburban railway (1 line), tramway, trolleys and buses. Fares start at 1.50€ and minimum taxi fare costs around 4.00€.
Milan Guide
The construction of Milan’s Cathedral, the famous Duomo, began in 1836 and lasted for five centuries. Its Gothic architecture and its monumental size make Duomo a particularly impressive religious sight; this is Italy’s largest cathedrals!
The Duomo is located in the Piazza del Duomo and its 135 spires and statues dominate the square’s skyline.
Next to the Duomo, the Palazzo Reale di Milano reminds visitors of the former royalties that used to reside there and is now a major cultural centre, hosting lots of interesting exhibitions.
Do some shopping around the Quadrilatero d’Oro (the Golden Block) and stop at the Milan Opera.
Milan Opera is the world’s most famous opera and has been hosting concerts and performances continuously since 1778!
Don’t forget to visit the adjacent Opera Museum, with collections of costumes and memorabilia of the greatest and most legendary operas of all times.
Try a gelato (ice-cream) from a local gelateria and continue to the Castello Sforzesco. This imposing castle first served as a fortress for the Visconti family and was later converted into a palace, to house the Sforza dynasty.
The Castello Sforzesco was designed by Leonardo da Vinci!
The castle is now one of Milan’s most popular tourist attractions and it houses a variety of museums and cultural centres.
Head south, to see the Church of Santa Maria della Grazie. Housed in a beautiful Renaissance building, the church features, among other sights and points of interest, Leonardo da Vinci’s immortal masterpiece, the mural of the “Last Supper”!
Milan’s official language is Italian.
- FOOD
- DRINKS
- COFFE
- ARTS
- OUTDOORS
- SIGHTS
