City break Milan
Shopping in Milan is probably already on your list, after all its the fashion capital of the world. During the Milan Fashion Week, the city attracts many international visitors in February. But there are so many more fun things to do and see in Milan throughout the year. Explore Milan by bike or from a vintage Fiat 500. Taste the authentic Italian cuisine or discover the modern twists in trendy restaurants. These original things to do are perfect for an authentic visit to Milan!
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9 tips for your city break Milan
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Most historic sights can be found in the city centre, which is also perfect for shopping. The Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) with the imposing Milan Cathedral is the focal point. About a 5-minute walk from Milan Cathedral is the most famous opera house in the world, La Scala.
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Brera is Milan's hip artist's neighbourhood, a great place to go explore on foot. The impressive museum Pinacoteca di Brera is also located in this area. In the museum you can admire the work of many Italian masters, such as Raphael and Caravaggio. Brera is also a nice, photogenic area with lots of nice shops and cafes
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Do you love canals, vintage and antiques? Then the artistic, cozy neighbourhood Navigli an absolute must to visit
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There is no lack of art & culture in Milan. From the fascinating art in the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli and opera in La Scala to modern architecture. But besides the many beautiful buildings and museums it is a good place to spot impressive street art, for example in the district of Porta Ticinese.
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At the beginning of January the patron saint of Milan will be celebrated, Sant'Ambrogio with a fair, among other things.
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The annual Milano Film Festival is held around mid-September in the Piccolo Teatro and in Castello Sforzesco. Milan Fashion Week is also in September and the famous design fair Salone internazionale del Mobile (Milan Design Week) can be visited in April
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Do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Then visit the Castello Sforzesco. This is a 14th century castle located in the park (Parco Sempione) with some museums, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo
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The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo), one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works, can be admired in the refectory of the monastery Santa Maria delle Grazie. The famous mural was made between 1494 and 1497 and depicts the moment just after Jesus said that one of the apostles would betray him. In addition to being a painter, Leonardo da Vinci was also an inventor. In the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci there is a gallery dedicated to his drawings and sketches. Fun for the whole family.
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Quadrilatero d'Oro is the name for the area where all luxury fashion houses are located. Via Manzoni, Via Monte Napoleone, Corso Venezia and Via della Spiga are part of Milan's fashion district.
Information about Milan
Milan is the business city of Italy and the second largest city in the country. For shopaholics, Milan is a gem. There is also a lot to see and do in the cultural and artistic fields. But Milan remains a fashion city foremost, so fashionistas are in for a treat. Excellent restaurants can be found especially in the vicinity of Ripa di Porta Ticinese and the Brera district.
Milan was founded around 600 B.C. by the Celts, but the Romans and the Huns also ruled the city for a long time. After the fall of Rome in 476, Milan remained in Visigothic and Byzantine hands for some time, until it was conquered by Charlemagne in 774. After the city had been part of the Holy Roman Empire for a period, Lombardy, the region where Milan is located, became independent in 1183.
4 facts about Milan
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During the Renaissance, Milan was ruled by the dukes of the houses of Sforza and Visconti, who employed artists like Leonardo da Vinci and architects like Donato Bramante.
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The Milan Cathedral, the symbol of the city, was built in 1386. At this time also the Castello di Porta Giovia was built by the Visconti. Later, the Sforzas embellished the castle and converted it into a magnificent Renaissance palace (now known as Sforza Castle)
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In 1500, Milan was taken over by Louis XII of France. So Milan was in the hands of the French army, but Austria immediately took over after France. In 1859 the Austrians left the city and the city became part of the new Kingdom of Italy.
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The famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a very chic passage and was opened in 1867. The gallery has a 47-metre-high glass dome. The floor below is decorated with a mosaic.