The northern capital of Italy and the centre for business, Milan is much more like other northern European cities than those in the south of Italy. The city is centred on the world's biggest Gothic cathedral. Cultural highlights are offered in La Scala Opera house. There is also lively nightlife with regular concerts and a excellent selection of cuisine both local and international.
5 things not to miss :
1 Shopping for fashion. Milan has been the centre
of Italian fashion industry and each year there are numerous shows by leading
designers. Stroll along the wide streets and gaze at the wears of fashion
houses including, Gucci, Versace and Valentino. Via Monte Napoleone is lined
with outlets of all the big names, follow the little side streets as well
for examples of work by local artists and less well known, at least now, designers.
On the north side of the city Corso Buenos Aires is another street where you
can find great shopping.
2 Duomo – Construction started in 1386 and only
finished five centuries later when Napoleon was crowned King of Italy here.
It is an enormous structure which can accommodate up to 40,000 people. The
piazza outside marks the centre of the city and the reference point for all
other journeys.
3 The Last Supper – The Church of Santa Maria della
Grazia hosts the Last Supper, Michelangelo's masterpiece and one of the most
replicated and recognisable works on art in western culture. Over the centuries
the painting as undergone numerous restaurations, the last of which lasted
fully 20 years and finished in 1999. This restored the colour to its former
glory. It has since become the centre of renewed interest due to the analysis
provided by Dan Brown in his international best seller, The Da Vince Code
.
4 Football – The Guiseppe Meazza stadium, more commonly
known simply as San Siro is home to two of soccer's biggest names, AC and
Inter of Milan. Teams play in this theatre of football on alternative weekends
so if you visit during the season, from late August to May, you will have
the chance to take in a game, tickets cost from as little as €15.
5 Navigli – The most compact entertainment area
in Milan, once the port area of the city, now a series of canals are flanked
by bars, cafes and restaurants. There are a number of festivals throughout
the year which are very popular with both locals and visitors.
