Welcome to DesBNet - Milan

No. of Visits 2 - Last Visited 2002

General

Milan may not be as visually inspiring as Rome, but it's inhabitants more than make up for it with STYLE!.  Often lauded as the Fashion capital of The World, this City has unique aura which is best savoured by relaxing, & "Going with the Flow". The centre of the city is dominated by the extravagant Gothic Duomo cathedral and "The Golden Triangle" of designer boutiques. Leonardo Da Vinci's famous image of "The Last Supper" can be viewed in the old refectory of Santa Maria della Grazie (n.b. booking is essential ! See Sightseeing section below for details.).

Geography

The Capital of the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Milan is only a short distance to the shores of Lakes Maggiore, Garda & Como, and only 50km from the Swiss border. Milan's "Centro Storico" or old city centre is home to the Duomo, La Scala Opera House, Castello Sforzesco, and many of  the museums & churches on offer. The Central Station is located just to the north of the centre, a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica.

Climate

Milan's location in the Po valley dictates it's Cold, Foggy Winters & Hot, Humid Summers. April through to June, and September are regarded as the best times to visit the city. Rainwear is advisable most of the year round - even though it may not be used.

History

From it's Gaul & Roman origins, Milan quickly became a major trading centre between Italy & Northern Europe, and accordingly, has been fiercely contested over since. 1450 saw the start of the Sforza dynasty, whose legacies have been both cultural, & commercial. Between 1500 & 1859, Milan changed hands many times between Austria, France & Spain, until finally, the first independent King of Italy - Vittorio Emmanuele, claimed the City. The Italian Combat League (or Fascists) were founded here in 1919 by Benito Mussolini, and from here in 1922, Il Duce led the March on Rome to begin his dictatorship of Italy. Heavily bombarded during WW11, Milan responded with the nation's first general strike, the outcome of which saw many workers deported to German concentration camps. Mussolini & other fascist leaders were later executed by the partisans. Since WW11, Milan has prospered under the umbrella of banking, stocks & industry.

Language & Culture

Not surprisingly, Italian is the language spoken in Milan. I found that the Milanese were very appreciative of the few words of their language that I could muster, and in return, were extremely helpful & friendly due to the effort being made. Fashion Rules in Milan, and it's inhabitants are without exception, extremely well turned out! Young or Old, Smart or Casual, Style is King. You can spot a tourist from 50 yards here! Suits/Smart Formal is the Dress Code for both Day & Evening wear even at weekends.

Accommodation

Most major chains have properties in Milan, though there are many individual private Hotels just outside of the Historical City Centre area, which may well be worth a look. Most hotels are fully booked during Trade Fairs & Fashion Weeks, but outside of these periods, prices are reduced.

Sight Seeing

The Duomo Cathedral is situated in the centre of Milan, and is truly outstanding. You can access the roof via the steps, or take the lift for a very reasonable charge, and believe me, it is worth the effort with great views of the city, and an close up view of the workmanship that has gone in to building this fascinating gothic temple. The world famous La Scala Opera House is situated nearby, and guided tours are available if you cannot get tickets for a performance. The Brera Museum is said to hold some of the most splendid works of art in Italy. Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is housed in the church of Santa Maria Della Grazie. Viewing of this masterpiece is strictly limited & advance bookings are essential (Phone 0039 02 89 42 11 46). The church of Santa Ambrogio is regarded by the Milanese as their most holy of shrines. The Museum Of Science & Technology is close by, for those of you interested in Da Vinci's inventions & manuscripts. The fortress of Castello Sforzesco holds exhibitions throughout the year in it's galleries, and to the rear is Parco Sempione, a huge park, which is a great place to relax (though I believe it is a little less savoury late at night). The interior of Stazione Centrale is well worth a look. Guided tours of the Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - home to Inter Milan - are also available.

Beaches

The Great Lakes of Northern Italy are only a 30 min. train journey away from Milan. Boat Cruises are available.

Local Transport

Milan has a very clean & efficient Metro system, and this, coupled with the extensive Bus & Tram networks, make travel extremely easy around the City. Day Passes can be purchased from newsstands for approx. ITL6000.

Night Life

The City's top Bars & Nightclubs are extremely busy during Trade Fairs & Fashion Weeks, and it is highly unlikely that the average tourist would be granted admission during these periods.

Restaurants

The local produce from the Po Valley is of exceptional quality, and this combined with the reverence that the Northern Italians  place on fine dining ensures that you are in for a treat here! A great deal of attention is paid to producing outstanding cuisine, and even a lunchtime Pizza washed down with nice cold beer is a joy. Evenings spent in a local Trattoria, sampling the chef's lovingly created dishes are to be savoured. Do not expect Service to be quick - Italians enjoy a leisurely meal of many courses, so just chill out and relax. Fast Food junkies are also catered for by the obligatory McD's and competitors.

Shopping

The streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga & Via Saint Andrea are known locally as "The Golden Triangle". This is the Holy Grail of the "fashionista" crowd and here is where you will find Versace, Prada, D&G, Gucci, & Valentino vying for your custom. If you deem it necessary to enter these emporiums of design, don't be surprised if you are completely ignored by the shop assistants - with just a glance, they may have decided that you are obviously not worthy of their wares!!!!! However, if you are "Dressed to Impress", your luck may be in.  Do not despair though, situated on Piazza Duomo, the Rinascente department store is full of exceptional merchandise, and all are welcome here. The shops on Corso Buenos Aires cater for most style & pockets, and there are many bargains to be had during the Sales at the ends of January & July.

Car Hire

Driving in Milan, as with many major European cities, can be intimidating. It is probably best to utilise the excellent Public Transport system, rather than hunt for a parking space.

Getting There

2 major airports service Milan. Malpensa is about 50km to the northwest, and most major airlines fly here. Closer to the City is  Linate (less than 10km), and handles about a quarter of the traffic that Malpensa does. Transfers from both airports to the Central Station are available by express bus (Linate approx. ITL.3500, Malpensa approx. ITL.8000).