Milan is one of the most important and stylish cities in Italy.

Milan’s origin goes back to 400 B.C., when Gauls settled and defeated the Etruscans. In 222 B.C. the city was conquered by Romans and was annexed to the Roman Empire. In 1300 the Visconti family brought a period of glory and wealth to the city, building the Duomo and the Castle.

The Sforza family then assumed the Castle and the power of the Visconti family, achieving peace after many years of war against Venice and Florence. Under the Sforza duchy the city began the development of sciences, art and literature. Ludovico il Moro (Ludovico Sforza) called Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante to his court.

Attractions not to be missed are the Duomo - the third-largest cathedral in the world; the Sforza Castle, built in 1368 later became an elegant and stunning Renaissance residence; Teatro alla Scala Opera House - completed in 1776 and hosting superb theatrical productions; and Santa Maria delle Grazie - an elaborate church dating back to 1463, home of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting 'The Last Supper'.

You can also enjoy many art galleries and museums, such as Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery - housing one of Italy's most important art collections; and the Modern Art Gallery.

Milan is the city of fashion, with shops to suit all tastes and budgets. Italy is well known for its cuisine, and the Milanese one has much to offer starting from its classic risotto. Milan is thus an intriguing blend history, art, fashion, and fun.

 

SURROUNDINGS

From Milan is easily possible reaching the Northern Lakes region and interesting smaller cities and towns of the Lombardy region like Bergamo, Brescia, Mantova by train. Lake Como can be reached in 50 minutes from Cadorna Station, and Lake Maggiore in 1 hour 20 minutes from Cadorna station. Turin and Venice are also reachable from Milan by train. For those who might want to take a trip to the sea, the Ligurian Coast (Genova) can be reached by train in just over one hour.

More information at:

www.turismo.milano.it
www.aboutmilan.com
www.visitamilano.it
www.en.regione.lombardia.it
www.lakecomo.it
en.lagomaggiore.net