MILAN

Milan, or Milano in Italian, is a city and the capital of the Lombardy region in northern Italy. It is the country’s second most populous city proper after Rome, with about 1.4 million residents in the city and a metropolitan area that exceeds five million. The city lies in the Po Valley and functions as a major national and international economic, financial, and cultural hub.

Historically, Milan developed as a commercial and political center in the Middle Ages and evolved into a leading European city of finance, industry, and culture. It is known for its influence in fashion, design, media, and the arts, drawing visitors for business and cultural events throughout the year.

Economy and culture: Milan is Italy’s financial heart and hosts the Borsa Italiana stock exchange. It is globally recognized as a fashion and design capital, hosting major events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile. The city features world-class architecture and arts institutions, including the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza Castle. The opera house La Scala is a premier cultural venue, and the Brera district houses important galleries and studios.

Landmarks and UNESCO: The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1980. Other notable sites include the Castello Sforzesco and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

Education and transport: Milans universities include the University of Milan, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and Bocconi University. The city is served by two international airports, Malpensa and Linate, and a dense urban transit system of metro lines, trams, and buses.

Cuisine: Milanese dishes include risotto alla Milanese and osso buco; panettone originated in the city. Football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan are major local teams.