Milan serves as the central hub of contemporary Italy. In this city with an international flair, history harmoniously blends with the avant-garde of fashion and design. Milan is a dynamic city located in the heart of Lombardy, in Northern Italy, representing a mosaic of different epochs and styles. With its skyline dotted with Gothic spires and modern skyscrapers, Milan invites you to explore the coexistence of ancient and contemporary traditions and innovations.
Where Milan is located
Milan is a municipality of almost 1.4 million inhabitants and is also the capital of the Lombardy region. It ranks among the twenty largest and most populous cities in all of Europe. The city covers an area of 70 square miles in the northern part of the Po Valley, 50 km south of Lake Como. The most important watercourses in Milan’s territory are the Lambro, Olona, and Seveso rivers.
The History of Milan
Ancient Latin written sources referred to Milan as Mediolanum, while Greek sources referred to it as Mediolanon. The term Mediolanum means “middle” and “(p)lanum,” meaning “in the middle of the plain” or “middle plain.” The term Planum, which drops the p- at the beginning of the word, is typical of Celtic languages.
Indeed, there is also an epigraphic attestation of Milan’s name in the local Celtic language. It appears in graffiti found on a section of the Roman walls of Milan, where the name “Meśiolano” can be read in the Northern Etruscan alphabet and as a development from the runic.
Foundation of the City
The Celts of Insubria are believed to have founded Milan around 590 B.C., and under Roman dominion in 222 B.C., they adopted the name Mediolanum. This original mix of Celtic and Roman influences laid the foundations for a city that would become a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and power.
Between myth and reality,
The Insubres, a Celtic tribe, were an integral part of the Golasecca culture. After the Roman conquest, Milan’s center grew constantly around the first Celtic nucleus, up to modern times. According to the legend reported by the authors Titus Livius and Bonvesin de la Riva the foundation of Milan occurred where the Celtic tribe, led by Belloveso, found a semi-woolly sow.
Roman Era
The Romans conquered Milan in 222 B.C. To counter Rome, the Insubres allied themselves with Hannibal, who had descended into Italy. Only at the beginning of the second century B.C. did the Insubres definitively submit to Roman dominance.
Due to its strategic position, Milan was of fundamental importance to Caesar during the conquest of Gaul.
Around 50 B.C., Milan became the most important center of Cisalpine Gaul and, due to economic development, obtained the status of municipium. Over time, its military importance also grew, so much so that when Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in 286, Milan became, along with Trier, the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
Milan and Christianity
The city of Milan was the place where the emperor Constantine agreed with Licinius in 313 to grant all citizens, including Christians, freedom of worship. We refer to this act as the Edict of Milan or the Edict of Constantine. Following this, the construction of numerous basilicas in Milan and other locations began.
With Bishop Ambrose, Milan became the most important center of the Western Church.
This was also the period when Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity the only religion of the empire (Edict of Thessalonica). Over these centuries, tower-equipped walls and four fortifications shielded Milan. They called the Castrum Vetus, the Castrum Portae Novae, the Arx Romana, and the Castrum Portae Jovis.
Medieval Age
In the medieval centuries, Milan was first involved in the decay of the Roman Empire and the consequent barbarian invasions. In 402 A.D., after a long siege, Milan managed to stop the barbarian Visigoths, led by King Alaric. This caused the capital of the empire to move from Milan to Ravenna, according to the will of Emperor Honorius. The end of the Roman empire created a power vacuum, leading the Germanic king Odoacer to settle in Milan itself. Theodoric, the leader of the Goths, took control and repeatedly reduced the city to a pile of ruins. This event led to the destruction of the magnificent buildings of Roman-era Milan. The Barbarians stripped and burned the civil buildings, the pagan temples, and the rich patrician villas along with the entire city. The same story repeated itself with the Lombards in the 6th century.
Only with Charlemagne and his dynasty did Milan return to being a nerve center. The city indeed became an imperial seat and episcopal see. With the deposition of Charles the Fat (887), the authority of the central government waned. It was precisely the counts and bishops who exercised local power. Milan became a free commune, gradually expanding its influence over much of Lombardy (11th century). Milan’s independence and growth led to conflict with the Holy Roman Empire. Frederick Barbarossa nearly destroyed the city in April 1162, but the Lombard League’s victory in the Battle of Legnano (May 29, 1176) brought it back to life. As in other Italian centers, between the 12th and 13th centuries, Milan evolved into a form of government dominated by podestà, who were called from other cities.
Modern Age
The next step was the establishment of the Visconti lordship, which became the Duchy of Milan in 1396. Milan successfully pursued an expansionist policy and became the capital of an extensive, powerful, and wealthy state under Gian Galeazzo Visconti. He wanted for his city a cathedral that emphasized the importance achieved at a European level by the city. Thus, in 1386, the construction of the Milan Cathedral began. The Sforza family succeeded the Visconti, attracting leading era geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci to the city.
In 1499, France advanced succession rights to the Duchy of Milan with Louis XII. He invaded the duchy and ousted the reigning duke, Ludovico il Moro. Charles V of Habsburg, as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, appointed king Francesco II Sforza first and then his son Philip II of Spain. The Spanish domination meant for Milan a long period of peace (1535-1620). The duchy could enjoy broad autonomy. However, there are few testimonies of Spanish power left in Milan. In the 18th century, the city came under Austrian domination, which continued until the Napoleonic era. It was a flourishing period from a cultural point of view, and, thanks to the Habsburg policies, Milan became the main center of the Italian Enlightenment.
The Napoleonic Age
The Austrian Empire dominated Milan until May 9, 1796. On this date, Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg-Este left the city while Napoleon Bonaparte engaged in the Italian campaign. From this year until 1814, Milan was repeatedly the capital and seat of the Napoleonic government for Italy. In particular, after Napoleon’s appointment as First Consul, thanks to the victory in the Battle of Marengo, the city became the capital of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy.
Contemporary History
After the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Congress of Vienna (1815) established that Milan had to return under Austrian rule as the capital of the new Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom. The city remained the capital until 1859. Following the Second War of Independence, it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which then became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Following the choice of Rome as the capital of the Italian state (1870), Milan experienced extraordinary industrial development and tertiary sector growth that placed it at the center of Italy’s economic events.
The war effort during World War I recorded a strong development of the industry. At the beginning of the 20th century, due to its social composition, Milan was a strongly socialist city. Here Benito Mussolini began his career. His dictatorship ended symbolically in Milan, hanging upside down in Piazzale Loreto. During World War II, Milan suffered the most severe aerial bombings in all of Italy.
What to See in Milan
Milan offers a unique mix of culture, art, fashion, and design. The city stands out for its world-renowned attractions, capable of satisfying both art lovers and shopping enthusiasts. Between past and modernity.
Milan Cathedral: a Gothic masterpiece
The Milan Cathedral is a world-renowned masterpiece of ancient architecture. This majestic Gothic building, whose construction spanned almost six centuries, is a true stone book that tells the faith, art, and history of Milan. The Milan Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, stands in the heart of the city. Its construction began in 1386, thanks to Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and continued for centuries, witnessing the stylistic and technical evolutions of Gothic architecture.
The facades of the cathedral showcase the light and bright color of Candoglia marble, adorned with an incredible array of sculptures, spires, and pinnacles. The main spire, 108 meters high, includes the famous Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary that has become one of the symbols of Milan.
Huge pillars support the building’s naves, while stained-glass windows of extraordinary beauty, among the largest in the world, illuminate them. The choir area houses the relics of San Carlo Borromeo, preserved in a crypt under the main altar. A visit to the cathedral would not be complete without climbing the terraces, accessible both on foot and by elevator. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The Charm of Liberty Architecture
In Duomo Square, we also find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which, with its majestic iron and glass architecture, is one of Milan’s most visited attractions. Inaugurated in 1877, this extraordinary architectural work connects two iconic places in the city: Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. Known as the “living room of Milan,” the Gallery serves as a favorite meeting point for both Milanese and tourists, attracting them with its elegant boutiques, historic cafes, and refined restaurants.
In terms of structure and size, the entrance arch is similar to a true triumphal arch. The interior facades feature rich and flashy decoration in Lombard Renaissance style. The dome, known as the “octagon,” tops the space at the intersection of the gallery’s arms. Here, in the lunettes of the walls, are the frescoes depicting four continents as a female figures (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America; Oceania was omitted, despite the fact that it was already occupied by several European states).
Sforza Castle: a bastion of history and culture
Sforza Castle is a huge fortified complex located in Milan’s historic center. Its construction began in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, who had recently become Duke of Milan. Previously, the medieval fortification of Porta Giovia Castle occupied the area where, in Roman times, the Castrum Portae Jovis stood.
Over the centuries, Sforza Castle underwent numerous refurbishments. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, it was one of the main military citadels in Europe. Today, Sforza Castle is a museum complex, hosting art and historical collections of invaluable value, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, making it a must-visit place for culture lovers.
Arch of Peace
The Arch of Peace is a triumphal arch in Milan located at the beginning of Corso Sempione. It was erected starting in 1807; its inauguration dates back to September 10, 1838. It represents one of Milan’s major Neoclassical monuments. A series of bronze sculptures top it off, while bas-reliefs and marble statues adorn every corner.
The Museums of Milan
To discover the main museums of Milan, you can read this guide.
The Brera District
With its cobblestone streets, Brera is the bohemian soul of Milan. The district is rich in art galleries and trendy cafes. The famous Art Gallery houses masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and many other names from the history of Italian and European art.
Traditions in Milan
Milan is a city of fascinating contrasts. Here, ancient traditions coexist with an innovative and cosmopolitan spirit. The Milanese lifestyle is frenetic, characterized by a strong work ethic, but this does not prevent citizens from enjoying the pleasures of life. For example, the aperitif is a crucial time to socialize and unwind in one of the city’s trendy spaces after work.
Celebrations and festivals like the Ambrosian Carnival, which stands out for its uniqueness compared to the rest of Italy, also reflect Milanese traditions. The celebration takes place one week after the traditional Carnival. On 7 December, people celebrate the patron saint Sant’Ambrogio. This celebration is a moment of strong city identity.
Main Events in Milan
Milan is a city that never sleeps thanks to a constantly rich and varied event calendar. One of the must-attend events is the Milan Fashion Week, which takes place twice a year and sees the city’s streets transform into open-air catwalks, where internationally renowned designers present their latest collections.
The Fuorisalone and the Salone del Mobile are two other key events that transform Milan into the world capital of design. This week, the city comes alive with installations, exhibitions, and events dedicated to the world of design and furniture. Another highlight of Milan’s event program is the “Prima” at the Teatro alla Scala. The current custom is to inaugurate the opera season on December 7, the day of Sant’Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan.
Cuisine and typical dishes of Milan
Milanese cuisine is an expression of the region’s history and geography, characterized by rich and substantial flavors. The city’s emblematic dish is undoubtedly Risotto alla Milanese. Ossobuco, another local specialty, often accompanies the creamy and saffron-colored Risotto alla Milanese.
No less famous are the Cotoletta alla Milanese, a succulent breaded and fried veal cutlet. Panettone is the star of Christmas desserts and is known worldwide. Milanese cuisine also offers delicious cheeses, like Gorgonzola. Delicious wines come from the Lombard hills.
Curiosities and anecdotes about Milan
- The system of Navigli (interconnected canals in and around Milan), today appreciated for walks and nightlife, was originally designed for transport and irrigation purposes. They connected the city with Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and the lower Ticino. Leonardo da Vinci also worked on it.
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was one of the world’s first examples of a shopping center. The flooring features a mosaic representation of a bull. Visitors rotate their heels on the bull’s testicles as a symbol of good luck.
- No other church has statues in column capitals like Milan Cathedral. Over 3,400 sculptures fill its interior, more than any other building.
- The Central Station. Inaugurated in 1931, Milan Central Station is an imposing expression of fascist architecture, combined with elements of Art Deco and neoclassicism. It is one of the largest railway stations in Europe.
- The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. In addition to being an international opera landmark, it also hosts the Scala Theatre Academy, which trains musicians, dancers, and stage technicians.
What to see in Milan gallery
Milan video
Map with attractions of Milan
Milan weather
Meteo Milano
Tourist information offices in Milan
- INFOMILANO Piazza Duomo 14. Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10 a.m. –2 p.m. Contacts: phone +39 02 884 55555
- YESMILANO Tourism Space Via Dei Mercanti 8. Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Contacts: phone +39 02 85155931
