Milan

Situated in the heart of the Po River Valley, Milan is the capital of Italy's Lombardy region and is the most populous city in the nation after Rome. Milan is a hub for industry, but it is also one of Italy's most important economic centres; and, of course, it is one of the world's renowned centres of fashion. With its historic appeal and proximity to the breathtaking Alpine Lakes, Milan offers travellers a holiday filled with a wealth of cultural attractions and memorable sites to behold.

Sights of Milan

Milan: the Duomo, 135 bold spires
constructed over five centuries.

The third largest church in the world, Milan's Duomo and its accompanying piazza is located in the city's historic centre. The cathedral is one of the city's most visited attractions. Its construction dates to the fourteenth century, although it was not completed until the early nineteenth century. The cathedral may be one of the city's most famous landmarks, but Milan also contains many more must-see attractions.

Other historic churches like Santa Maria delle Grazie (home to da Vinci's Last Supper) and the fourth-century Basilica of San Lorenzo also attract throngs of visitors. Other must-see attractions of the city include Pinacoteca di Brera (historic art gallery), the Palazzo Marino (the town hall), Teatro alla Scala and its ballet school, the Castle Sforzesco, the Civic Aquarium, and the Arch of Peace monument.

Accommodations

From boutique and luxury hotels to affordable pensiones, Milan offers many comfortable places to hang your hat. Many of the hotels are located near famed shopping districts as well as near the city's historic center. Most of the city's hotels are situated, however, in the Buenos-Aires-Stazione Centrale region. Some of Milan's most popular hotels include the Four Seasons, the Grand Hotel et de Milan, Westin Palace, and Principe de Savoia.

Restaurants and Shops

It's possible to find nearly every type of cuisine in this culinary capital. Milanese dishes, of course, are the city's specialties; however, Tuscan and international fare are also popular with travellers. Cafes dot the various piazzas and specialty food shops abound in Milan. Before dining on one of the city's famed risottos and signature wines, however, work up an appetite after a day of shopping. Milan boasts famous outdoor markets, department stores like La Rinascente, fashion boutiques like Gio Moretti, and specialty shops like Neuhaus Maitre Chocolatier.

Gardens and Parks

The Giardini Pubblici is the largest park in Milan and boasts 192,000 square yards. Designed in 1786, the park is also home to the city's Museum of Natural History. The city's oldest garden, Giardino della Guastalla, dates to 1555 and contains an historic temple and shrines. Other parks and gardens popular with tourists include the Parco Sempione and the Piazza della Vetra.

From its sights to its signature cuisine, Milan is a popular city that draws travellers from around the world. While a leading European metropolis, Milan also boasts a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a fascinating array of architecture and art. As the long-time home of such figures as the artist Leonardo da Vinci and the composer Giuseppe Verdi, Milan has witnessed centuries of great art, which is everywhere evident in its myriad of cultural venues and attractions. It is also regarded as the gateway city to the pristine lakes of northern Italy.