Milan (Milano), situated on the flat plains of the Po Valley, is the capital of Lombardy and thoroughly enjoys its hard earned role as Italy’s richest and second largest city. Wealthy and cosmopolitan, Milan is one of the most important and stylish cities in Italy and is full of history. There are countless impressive buildings that have tremendous character, in many different styles ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces (palazzos) to ultra-modern towers and office blocks.

Founded in the seventh century BC by Celts, the city, then known as Mediolanum (‘mid-plain’), was first attacked by the Goths in the 600s (AD), then by Barbarossa in 1157 and finally by the Allies in World War II, when over a quarter of the city was destroyed. Milan successively reinvented herself under French, Spanish and then Austrian rulers from 1499 until the reunification of Italy in 1870. It is a miracle that so many historic treasures still exist, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which survived a direct hit in World War II. The Milanesi’s appreciation of tradition includes a singular respect for religion; they even pay a special tax towards the Cathedral maintenance. It is therefore fitting that the city’s enduring symbol is the gilded statue of the Virgin, on top of the Cathedral (Il Duomo).

Since the 1970s, Milan has remained the capital of Italy’s automobile industry and its financial markets, but the limelight is dominated by the fashion houses. Milan remains the marketplace for Italian fashion – fashion aficionados, supermodels and international paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs. Valentino, Versace and Armani may design and manufacture their clothes elsewhere but Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy’s natural stage.