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Travel to Milan

ITALY

Travel to Milan

Milan is dedicated to its patron Saint Ambrose who made the city an important symbol of the Christian world during the forth century. After falling to the French and the Austrians over the time, Mussolini too made a significant mark on the city, building the train station and after his death the dictator’s body was flaunted to the crowds in the Piazzle Loreto. Therefore although the city is dominated by bland and modern buildings there is still plenty to see and a lot to experience like Da Vinci’s famous painting. Milan is today best recognised for being one of the most important places in the world in terms of fashion, and this perhaps makes up for its aesthetic flaws. The English word milliner derives from the name of the city was becoming involved in trade and production as far back as the eleventh century. The 1970s witnessed Italian designers exploding into the textile industry. In 1975 Giorgio Armani sold his car to finance his small label, and he was followed by such names as Prada and Versace. Undoubtedly, the Milanese themselves are the workaholics of Italy and visitors will not fail to notice the thousands of designer power suits and briefcases roaming the streets. The people of this city certainly like the good life and there is a certain amount of hostility to the South of Italy which is perceived as prospering off the work of its Northern brother. Home to the stock exchange it is considered one the most rich and cosmopolitan cities in Europe, but its importance in the economy should not reduce its appeal. Becoming familiar with Milan, means tourists get to know a different and exciting side Italy.

General Descriptions
Places: 

1. The Duomo
The Duomo is one of the largest churches in the world and outshines the rest of the city. Construction on this epic late gothic building began in 1386 and only really became completed in the nineteenth century. The best way to view the structure is to take the lift up to the roof, but spend time exploring the detail of the interior.

2. Castello Sforzesco
The Castello is where ruling renaissance families resided and now it houses various museums. They offer a range of work from paintings to musical instruments and will take a day to get around but definitely worth a visit if you want to really experience the history of Milan.

3. Quadrilatero dell Moda
Quadrilatero dell Moda or ‘the fashion quadrilateral’ is home to what Milan is perhaps most famous for, couture. Wandering the streets is a real experience and the abudence of neo classical facades and scenic courtyards are often overlooked. Head to the Corso Buenos Aires for shops a little less expensive.

4. The Last Supper Painting
This famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci can be found in the Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting depicts the moment when Christ tells his disciples that one of them will betray him, but has become far more than just a Bible story to critics. The piece over the years has undergone extreme restoration and is a fine example of this renowned mans ability.

5. Giardini Pubblici
The Giardini Pubblici engulfs 160,000 square metres of the city and is a tranquil haven. There are several sights within the park itself such as Museo del Cinema and the Villa Reale. However, the waterfalls and arrays of statues are enough to make an enjoyable stroll or picnic.

Stay, Eat, Watch The World
Where to stay: 

1. Lancaster Hotel
A late 19th-century Art Nouveau building located in the elegant Corso Sempione area of the city. An excellent hotel which is away from the busy streets, but still close to all the attractions of the centre.
(lush)

2. Hotel Principe De Savoia
This five star hotel is a renowned haunt of celebrities and the cities elite and gives easy access to the rest of the city. An excellent Acanto Restaurant with Executive Chef Fabrizio provides spectacular food and service.
(lush)

3.Hotel Spadari al Duomo
The very helpful staff of this elegant hotel make your stay very pleasurable. The rooms are well equipped and the building is conveniently located for the Cardona station.
(reasonable)

4. Park Hyatt Milan
The Park Hyatt Milan is a short walk away from Piazza del Duomo and the Teatro all Scala opera house. There are clothing and jewellery shops within the hotel and a concierge service for all travel and entertainment requirements is provided.
(lush)

5. Star Hotels Anderson
The Corso Buenos Aires, one of Milan's principal shopping streets is very close to the hotel. The rooms are light and spacious and guests have access to fitness equipment and an optional valet service.
(reasonable)

6. Enterprise Hotel
Known as a ‘design hotel’ the Enterprise boasts an attractive courtyard and terrace where in the summer barbeques are held in a relaxed atmosphere. It is close to Castello Sforzesco, La Triennale museum, and at a very short distance from San Siro stadium. The hotel famously hosts many fashion and corporate events.
(lush)

7. Berna Hotel
Being so close to the central station makes the rest of the city easily accessible for guests staying at the Berna. The main hotel has 110 rooms but the recent ‘Barna Tower’ offers fewer rooms for those who desire more privacy.
(reasonable)

8. Grande Hotel Verdi
This unique building provides comfortable rooms with plenty of space. The architect was inspired by Scala Theatre this four star hotel remains very popular amongst business guests as well as tourists because of its location and service.
(reasonable)

9. Hotel Raffaello
A large hotel that offers a high service including a laundry service and a private garage for guests. Private suites are available as well as rooms for up to three people.
(budget)

10. Brunelleschi Hotel
This hotel provides everything you would expect and for a reasonable price. The location is a good for local sights and attractions and assistance in provided for guided tours around the city.
(reasonable)

Where to eat: 

The food of Lombardy incorporates influences from the North and the South, but Milan must be recognised for its variety of cheeses, such as gorgonzola, stracchino and teteggio which are used in many meals.

The Milanese generally prefer to use rice than pasta when cooking and risotto is widely used. Risotto alla mantovana is a dish with sausage and onion, and risotto alla valtellinese has cabbage and beans. Generally the leftovers are fried into small cakes known as ristoral salto.

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