Piazza Cordusio, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (June 2022)

Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most influential and multifaceted cities, known internationally as a centre of fashion, finance, design, and innovation. Located in the heart of northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Milan combines a powerful economic role with a rich cultural and historical legacy. Unlike cities that are defined primarily by ancient ruins or scenic landscapes, Milan stands out for its forward looking spirit, where tradition and modernity coexist in a constantly evolving urban environment.

The history of Milan stretches back more than two thousand years. Originally founded by Celtic tribes and later conquered by the Romans, the city was known as Mediolanum and became an important administrative centre of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, Milan passed through the hands of powerful dynasties, including the Visconti and the Sforza families, whose influence shaped much of the city’s architectural and artistic heritage. During the Renaissance, Milan emerged as a major cultural centre, attracting artists, architects, and thinkers who left a lasting imprint on the city’s identity.

One of Milan’s most striking characteristics is its architectural diversity. Medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, neoclassical buildings, and contemporary skyscrapers exist side by side, creating a layered cityscape that reflects centuries of change. The Duomo di Milano, with its intricate marble façade and forest of spires, dominates the city centre and stands as a symbol of Milan’s ambition and craftsmanship. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II represents nineteenth century elegance and commercial vitality, while modern districts such as Porta Nuova showcase cutting edge urban design and sustainable architecture.

Milan is also deeply connected to the arts. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the most celebrated masterpieces in the world, housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The city’s museums, galleries, and theatres play a central role in Italy’s cultural life. La Scala opera house, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and prestigious performances, has hosted some of the most influential composers and singers in history. These institutions contribute to Milan’s reputation as a city that values artistic excellence and cultural expression.

Beyond its historical and artistic importance, Milan is widely recognized as Italy’s economic engine. It is the country’s leading financial centre, hosting major banks, corporations, and the Italian stock exchange. This economic strength has attracted professionals, entrepreneurs, and international companies, making Milan one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Italy. The fast paced business environment shapes the city’s rhythm, influencing everything from daily routines to urban planning and social life.

Fashion and design are perhaps the fields most closely associated with Milan on a global scale. The city is considered one of the world’s fashion capitals, alongside Paris, London, and New York. Milan Fashion Week draws designers, models, journalists, and buyers from around the world, turning the city into a stage for creativity and innovation. Italian luxury brands and emerging designers alike contribute to a vibrant industry that extends beyond clothing to include interior design, industrial design, and visual communication. This creative energy is also evident during major events such as the Salone del Mobile, which reinforces Milan’s leadership in design and architecture.

Despite its reputation for efficiency and modernity, Milan maintains a strong sense of local tradition. Neighbourhoods, known as quartieri, each have their own character and social life. Areas such as Brera, Navigli, and Isola offer distinct atmospheres, from artistic and historic to youthful and experimental. The Navigli canals, originally designed in part with the involvement of Leonardo da Vinci, provide a reminder of Milan’s connection to water and trade, and today serve as lively gathering places lined with cafes and restaurants.

Food plays an essential role in Milanese culture. The city’s cuisine reflects the agricultural richness of Lombardy, with dishes that emphasize rice, butter, and meat. Classics such as risotto alla milanese and ossobuco express a culinary identity that differs from the tomato based traditions of southern Italy. At the same time, Milan’s international population has expanded the culinary landscape, making the city a place where traditional trattorias coexist with global dining experiences.

Milan is also a city of education and innovation. Prestigious universities, research centres, and technology start-ups contribute to a culture of learning and experimentation. This intellectual vitality supports Milan’s role as a city that not only preserves its heritage but actively shapes the future. Urban regeneration projects, investments in public transportation, and a growing focus on sustainability demonstrate Milan’s commitment to adapting to contemporary challenges. Milan is a city defined by movement and ambition. It is a place where history informs progress, where creativity drives industry, and where local identity interacts with global influence. As an introduction to Italy, Milan offers a perspective that goes beyond romantic imagery, revealing a country that is dynamic, industrious, and deeply connected to the modern world.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Piazza Luigi di Savoia to Via Daniele Manin
Approximately 1.45 km – 0.90 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Luigi di Savoia – Piazza Duca d’Aosta – Via Vittor Pisani – Piazza della Repubblica – Via Daniele Manin

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Piazza Cavour to Piazza del Duomo
Approximately 1.30 km – 0.81miles

The walk starts in Piazza Cavour – Via Alessandro Manzoni – Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola, Via Alessandro Manzoni – Via Alessandro Manzoni – Piazza della Scala – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Piazza del Duomo

Photo Gallery of Walk 3 – Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Sempione
Approximately 2.51 km – 1.56 miles

The walk starts in Piazza del Duomo – Piazza dei Mercanti – Piazza Cordusio – Via Dante – Via Rovello – Via Dante – Largo Cairoli – Piazza Castello – Castello Sforzesco – Parco Sempione

Photo Gallery of Walk 4 – Piazza Luigi di Savoia Tto Giardini Indro Montanelli
Approximately 3.00 km – 1.86 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Luigi di Savoia – Piazza Duca d’Aosta – Via Giovanni Battista Pirelli – Via Melchiorre Gioia – Bastioni di Porta Nuova – Piazzale Principessa Clotilde – Bastioni di Porta Nuova – Viale Monte Santo – Via Galileo Galilei – Viale Monte Santo – Piazza della Repubblica – Giardini Indro Montanelli

Photo Gallery of Walk 5 – Viale Brianza to Parco Lambro, Via Feltre
Approximately 3.24 km – 2.01 miles

The walk starts in Viale Brianza – Via Giulio e Corrado Venini – Viale Brianza – V.le Monza – Piazzale Loreto – Via Andrea Costa – Via Giovanni Ricordi – Via Andrea Costa – Piazza Francesco Durante – Via Andrea Maria Ampère – Via Casoretto – Via Feltre – Parco Lambro

Photo Gallery of Walk 6 – Via Soperga to Parco Trotter, Via Giuseppe Giacosa
Approximately 1.51 km – 0.94 miles

The walk starts in Via Soperga – Giardino degli Artisti, Via Soperga – Via Nino Oxilia – Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Beltrade, Via Nino Oxilia – Via Nino Oxilia – Piazza Morbegno – Via Luigi Varanini – V.le Monza – Via Pietro Crespi – Via Giuseppe Giacosa – Parco Trotter, Via Giuseppe Giacosa

Parco Lambro

Parco Lambro is one of Milan’s largest and most historically significant green spaces, located in the northeastern part of the city. Spanning more than ninety hectares, the park offers a vast landscape of meadows, wooded areas, and gently rolling hills along the banks of the Lambro River, from which it takes its name. Originally designed in the 1930s as a model of urban recreation and later expanded in the 1950s, Parco Lambro reflects the evolving relationship between Milan and its natural environment. It stands as a peaceful counterpoint to the dense urban fabric that surrounds it, offering residents and visitors a place to walk, cycle, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature. The park has played a notable role in the city’s cultural life. In the 1970s it became famous as the site of major music festivals and gatherings that reflected the social and political energy of the time. Today, it hosts community events, sports activities, and environmental education programs, maintaining its identity as a space for both leisure and civic engagement. Beyond its cultural history, Parco Lambro also serves as an important ecological area within Milan. The Lambro River runs through it, creating habitats for various bird species and native plants. The park’s mix of natural and designed landscapes makes it a key part of Milan’s green network, connecting citizens to the rhythms of the natural world and reminding visitors of the enduring value of open, shared spaces in the life of a modern city.