Milan, the capital of the province of Milan, is a city that Italy is extremely proud of. A true pearl of northern Italy, the center of elegance, fashion and finance.
The most important economic center of Italy is located right here because of its geographical position. The most important wholesale markets in Italy were and are still in Milan. The city is located at the crossroads of the Po Valley traffic routes and lies on the border between the fertile plains to the south and limited agriculture to the north. Milan is located on the main route connecting Italy with the rest of Europe. All this influenced the huge development of industry in the 20th century, and all of it led to large imports and exports, and commercial activities in the city. At the end of the 20th century, the manufacturing industry was replaced by the service sector.
Cosmolytic. a shopping center at the crossroads that has focused on business and beauty for centuries.
Milan has a very turbulent and interesting past.
- It was founded by the Gauls in 400 BC.
- The Romans conquered it in 220 BC and named it Mediolanum, which translates as “In the middle of the plain”.
- Caesar Augustus turned it into the Roman capital of the Western Empire.
- The Lombards occupied it in 539.
- In 1117, it fell under church authority and became an independent municipality.
In 1277, it was occupied by the Visconti family and thus it was their noble duchy for centuries. The Visconti family, and after it the Sforza family, transformed Milan into a powerful and rich metropolis that had its ups and downs throughout the centuries, and survived various oppressions, diseases, and the plague. It was reborn thanks to the rich Borromeo family and then the Habsburg I dynasty. In the Second World War, it was destroyed again, but it once again found strength and was rebuilt as if from the ashes.
So, after many centuries, Milan once again became and remains the center of finance, media, design and fashion in Italy. Life here is fast, business-like and busy, but modern and stylish. Designers and models from northern Italy, Switzerland and France gather here. The most modern shops, luxury boutiques, restaurants, classy bars and discotheques are popping up here every day. Milan’s dream and Milan behind the scenes.
And behind this urban, city scene, cultural nests are hidden, which are a real paradise for the eyes of tourists and a respite from walking around Milan’s shopping streets.
The most beautiful representative of the cultural spirit is best represented by the Milan Cathedral, one of the largest and brightest Gothic churches in Europe. Its fantastic white facade is an incredible sight, and the journey up to the roof simply takes every visitor’s breath away. On the roof, you can stand among towers and statues, incredible architectural decorations and be in the immediate company of gargoyles, but also enjoy an incredible view of the Alps.
Next is the Castello Sforzesco, also known as the Sforza Castle. With its dramatic history and constant demolition, construction and restoration, it represents an incredible historical monument. It was built in 1360 by Visconti, destroyed 100 years later, rebuilt by the Sforza family and turned into a ducal palace and noble residence. It houses several museums, including the Art Gallery with 230 works by Northern Italian masters.
The Museum of Ancient Art contains many early Christian works and ancient art. What will enchant every visitor is the unfinished statue of Michelangelo called the Rondanini Pieta. This powerful sculpture was never completed. A particularly touching fact is that Michelangelo worked on it literally until his death. Here you can see and feel the piece of marble that he touched with a scalpel before his death. This work was supposed to decorate his own tomb, but the work remained unfinished and thus could not be placed in a place where it would occupy the most beautiful role historically and artistically and round off the vision and life work of such a great artist.
In the castle you will also find an Egyptian museum and a museum dedicated to woodworking and furniture, but in addition to the museum values, a tour of the castle itself and its fascinating ramparts, as well as Parco Sempione, which was once a ducal garden, and today represents the city’s version of the Central Park, is a must. This former hunting ground for dukes used to be much more spacious, and gardens, paths, ponds and streams have been preserved from that time.
The place where Italian elegance and luxury dominate is certainly the La Scala opera house, which was opened in 1778 as the first such theater in Italy and one of the most recognized in Europe. A special atmosphere and perfection of listening and watching operas for all visitors of this hall is achieved by the incredible acoustics of the space. Namely, the interior of the hall is lined with plush, which gives a more than phenomenal feeling to the ear.
This cultural and historical content will surely satisfy the wishes and desires of every guest, who will certainly want to return to the streets of Milan, among the shop windows in the center of world and Italian fashion and design. Aperitifs, a shot of Aperol, risotto, pancerote, beautiful restaurants and the latest styles will be all around you.
