Milan

Milan is perhaps the most European of all Italian cities. Many large companies are located here and a lot of money is also made. Many Dutch people also earn their living in fashionable Milan. The city was founded in the 4th century BC. as Mediolanum ("in the midst of the plain") and it experienced turbulent times when it was conquered and destroyed by various peoples.

Since the 18th century, the city has been alternately in French and Austrian hands. In the mid-19th century, the Milanese had had enough; they revolted to eventually join the Kingdom of Italy (1861).

Milan was an important center centuries ago and still is. The city leads the way in fashion, design and graphic design. Here you will find the major fashion brands, luxury brand stores and outlets where you can pick up designer brands for next to nothing.

It is also an important center for education, science and culture. Italian commercial television has its roots in Milan, mainly due to the world famous Milanese Silvio Berlusconi who made his fortune in the media industry.

As the name implies, the Piazza del Duomo is home to a large cathedral, the Santa Maria Nascente. It is a huge building of white marble in Gothic style. Construction began in 1386 and was not completed until 1965.

In the former Dominican monastery – also on this square – you can see the famous wall painting 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci.

Da Vinci was not only a painter, but also an architect and scientist. He studied the anatomy of the human body and was involved in meteorology and geology, among other things. The National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan is dedicated to that side of Da Vinci's life.

Famous paintings and drawings can be seen in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and in the Pinacoteca di Brera. In the latter hangs the painting “Meal at Emmaus” by Caravaggio.

Between the Duomo Square and the Piazza della Scala you will find the shopping arcade Vittorio Emanuele II from the 19th century. The gallery is covered with glass domes. There is a tragic story attached to its creation. The building's architect, Giuseppe Mengoni, fell from the roof and died a few days before its official opening, in 1878.

Like many other Western cities, Milan fell prey to 'urban renewal' in the 20th century. Canals were filled in and forts demolished. The Allied bombing raids during World War II also caused a lot of damage. The rubble of that war was shoved into a large heap. This created the fifty meter high Monte Stella.

Due to the business-like nature and European appearance of the city, Milan was also known as 'dull city' or even 'ugly city'. Until recently, then. Because events such as EXPO and Milan Design Week have given the city a hip and trendy image.