The capital of the Lombardy region, Milan, is not only Italy's leading financial centre and its fashion metropolis, but also the country's economic powerhouse. It is thought to have been founded in 600 BC by celtic people then conquered by the Romans in 222 BC. Under Roman rule, the city's importance began to rise, and it was even appointed the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 286 AD.
Nowadays, the city is a tourist magnet with numerous international events, such as the Expo 2015 and 2026 Winter Olympics, but also with many impressive sights.
Milan's best known landmark is the famous Cathedral, the largest church in the Italian Republic. Its construction began in 1386 and the last details were finalised in 1965, so it took almost six centuries to complete.
You can visit the magnificent cathedral, its rooftop and the museums located inside with tickets costing from 5€ to 20€, however, keep in mind that you must cover your knees and shoulders to enter religious sites in Italy. You can find further information and buy tickets on the Duomo di Milano's official website .
Being one of the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan is home to the headquarters of many of the most famous Italian fashion brands such as Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. The city also hosts the Milan Fashion Week twice a year, one of the most important international fashion events. Milan's upscale fashion district, the Quadrilatero della moda, is home to the city's most prestigious shopping streets. A very famous sight in Milan is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping centres in the world.
La Scala, the Italian abbreviation for the official name Teatro alla Scala, is one of the world's most famous and important opera houses.
The Museo Teatrale alla Scala, accessible from the foyer of the theatre contains a collection of paintings, designs, statues, costumes and other documents relating to the history of La Scala and opera in general.
Often hailed as one of the best opera stages in the world, La Scala has enchanted audiences since its inauguration in 1778. This neoclassical masterpiece has played host to some of the greatest operatic talents, performing the timeless works of composers such as Verdi, Puccini and Rossini. Milan's La Scala has a capacity for 2,030 spectatorswho can purchase tickets on the official website. Attending a performance at La Scala is not only a cultural experience, but also a journey into the soulful world of opera, a tradition that is deeply woven into the artistic fabric of Milan.
Milan is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is a church and Dominican convent containing the iconic mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Dated to 1495–1498, the painting represents the scene of Jesus' last supper with the twelve apostles, the moment after he announces that one of them will betray him. The Last Supper has been the subject of much speculation, focusing on alleged hidden messages or clues in the painting, especially since the publication of Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code". The painting also contains several possible numerical allusions, such as to the number three or to the Golden Ration and the Fibonacci series, the intention behind which is still disputed among art historians.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is a testament to the city's cultural wealth. Housed in the renowned Brera Academy, the gallery is a paradise for lovers of Italian Renaissance art. With masterpieces by famous artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Titian, it invites visitors to discover the timeless beauty of Milan's artistic heritage.
For just €15€, you can treat yourself to an incredible experience at the Pinacoteca di Brera. Get your tickets on the official website and get ready to explore the captivating world of Brera's famous art collection.
Another sight of the city is the impressive Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress housing almost a dozen museums, including the Museo d'Arte Antica, which contains phenomenal sculptures from antiquity to the Renaissance.
Next to the Castello Sforzesco lies a perfect place for an afternoon stroll, the beautiful Sempione Park, with the Arch of Peace located at its end.
Personally, I was extremely impressed by Milan's architectural diversity. The Art Deco central railway station and the neoclassical Royal Villa of Milan are some examples of the city's magnificent architectural wonders. I was particularly fascinated by a remarkable example of a futuristic building complex in Milan's Porta Nuova district.
Bosco Verticale is an award-winning architectural masterpiece, consisting of two residential towers, 110 and 76 metres (360 and 250 feet) high.
The name Bosco Verticale, meaning "Vertical Forest", was given because the towers are planted with 800 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 1,5000 perennials that reduce smog and produce oxygen. A brilliant idea, given that trees and plants are the most efficient and cost-effective way to absorb carbon dioxide.
The buildings are self-sufficient, using renewable energy from solar panels and filtered wastewater to sustain its plant life.
Architect Stefano Boeri plans to build similar structures in several cities in China, Switzerland and the Netherlands, where the Trudo Vertical Forest in Eindhoven was completed in 2021.
As much as I love to glance into the past through architecture, I also appreciateit being given a glimpse into the future, as is the case with Bosco Verticale.
Since our hotel was located close to the city centre and the weather in the end August was amazing, our prefered way to get around the city was renting bikes.
When you visit Milan as part of a road trip, be aware that most of the city is in a ZTL, a so-called zona traffico limitato, which only residents are allowed to access. You can buy a permission to enter a certain part of the city, Area C, with your car in advance online. However, the entire booking process is very complicated and on top of that in Italian, so you should definitively read the english guide beforehand.
In conclusion, Milan has a lot to offer to fashion lovers, art enthusiasts and architecture buffs.
You can take in the city's high-end flair by seeing a show in one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world, the Teatro alla Scala, or by dining in one of the many Michelin star restaurants.
Though Milan is Italy's most expensive city, its many fascinating sights make it definitively worth a visit.