Facts About Milan

Bustling and stylish metropolis with lots of shopping options, Milan is titled as the fashion paradise of Italy. Originated from the city of fashion, Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, are among the luxurious brands in the world. Choice of fashion ambassadors, these brands are promoted by various stars and supermodels. Although today it is among the most vibrant cities, the city was destroyed during World War II. Although World War II destroyed various historical assets of Milan, many of them were revamped and restored. After World War II, the city rose again turned into a flourishing business capital of Italy. Since then, Milan has risen to new heights and today it is Europe’s main hub for trade and industrialization. Hence, the amazing capital of fashion, design, music, and business managed to restore the reminiscences of the past, which the coming generations can treasure. Let us discuss some more points about one of the favourite fashion cities of superstars and fashion freaks.

Fast Facts

Established:  1805 (capital ofKingdom of Italy)
Country: Italy
State/Region: Lombardy
Language(s) Spoken: Italian
Demonym: Milanees/ Milanese
Area: 181.76 sq. km
Population:  1,337,178  (31 August, 2011)

Interesting And Fun Facts About Milan

• Milan is an English word that has been derived from the Lombard while it is called Milano in Italian.
• Celtic tribe of the Insubres founded the ancient city of Milan, but later it was occupied by the Romans in 2nd century BC.
• Milan has been ruled by Celts, Romans, Goths, Lombards, Spaniards, and Austrians.
• Milan was declared capital of Cisalpine Republic, when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Italy in 1796. But later, under his reign, he declared it the capital of Kingdom of Italy.
• During the period of Austrian control, Milan became the centre of lyric opera and the famous and influential classic composer, Mozart premiered three operas at the Teatro Regio Ducal.
• Almost 60,000 people died in 1629-31, when the great plague of Milan hit its habitants.
• Pinacoteca di Brera is a very popular art gallery in Milan. It holds one of the early collections of Italian paintings. Some of the masterpieces, like The San Luca Altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna, Brera Madonna by Piero della Francesca, The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio, Holy Conversation, by Piero della Francesca, c., and many others are stored here.
• Milan owes its figurative art to the Visconti family, the Sforza family, and the artists of the renaissance period. Development of art was started by the Visconti family; the trend was then continued by the Sforza family.  During the renaissance period, the famous artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Filarete, and Bramante introduced the renaissance style.
• Milan has the honor of having Europe’s largest opera house called Teatro alla Scala. This huge opera house can seat two thousand viewers at one time and it is reckoned to be one of the best Opera and Ballet theatre in the world. It is also home to La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra.
• Duomo di Milano, the fourth largest cathedral in the world, is located at the centre of Milan. Work on it was started by Gian Galeazzo Visconti (then the Duke of Milan) in 1385 and the cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete. It was opened to public in 1965. Its construction has a lot of variations in style but the end product is just simply marvellous and impressive.
• Castello Sforzesco is one of the most important monuments in Milan’s history as it was considered as a symbol of power by both local and foreign rulers. Its development started in the year 1358 and was finished by 1368.
• At the beginning the Castello Sforzesco stood 591 feet tall, but because of many foreign invasions and reconstructions, its height has now reduced to 102 feet.
• Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan is one of the most popular churches from architectural point of view as it comprises of both renaissance and gothic styles. It is famous for even more essential fact: the ‘Last Supper’, painting by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Milan is the business home to 12,000 companies, 800 showrooms, 6,000 sales outlets, with four weeks dedicated to fashion shows and other events; and therefore, it is ranked as the 12th most expensive city in the world.
• The highest income earners of Italy work in Milan.
• The city is the 26th richest city according to Purchasing Power Parity.
• A survey in 2011 stated that 20% of the Milan population is made up of foreign immigrants. Philippines, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Egypt, China, Peru, Romania, Morocco, Ukraine, and Albania are the top ten countries from where these foreigners have migrated.
• Mass migration has converted Milan into mass-cultural hub. Surprisingly, it has the oldest and largest community than anywhere else in Italy.
• Milan, the fashion capital of the world, is home to the headquarters of many high fashion brands, like Versace, Pucci, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Armani. People here are always up to date with fashion trends.
• The world’s two best soccer teams F.C. Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) and A.C. Milan are based in Milan. Former has won both Italian cup and European Champions League in 2010.
• You will be surprised to know that A.C. Milan is owned by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a huge soccer fan.
• Everyday from 7pm to 9pm, Milan celebrates Aperitivo time to eat finger food. Usually many lounges, cafés, and bars offer buffet that includes food which can be eaten by hands/fingers. It is merry time for people as they chit-chat, mingle, and enjoy the great food.