About Milan

Being the capital of Lombardy, Milan (or as it is named in Italian – Milano) is located in the plain area – Padan Plain and is considered to be one of the most prosperous cities, what is explicable as it yields only to Rome in size. The city is open to the whole world and people from different cultures feel there at ease. Cosmopolite attitude and ambitious nature help to obtain leading positions in business. Such combination together with love for traditions makes Milanese unique and gives especial charm to the place. Milan is the biggest industrial city of Italy. With its 1.3 million population Milan is also one of the biggest cities in Europe.

From the date of foundation (7th century B.C.) the city was built anew 3 times after invasions. The founders of the Mediolanum (its old name) were Celts. In the 6th century A.D. Goths conquered the city of Milan. Then serious harm was done to it in 1157 and during the WWII, but in spite of these intrusions into extraordinary culture, it is still rich in monuments of the past and presents creation of great artists to the whole world. The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci endured even the explosion of WWII.

Honoring traditions, citizens pay tax to maintain cathedrals in proper condition. Gilded Virgin statue on the roof of the cathedral became the symbol of the city not for nothing, it symbolizes as well careful cherished attitude to the history of the city.

The historic centre of Milan is cathedral, from which streets go in different directions thus forming a shape of star. They reach the ring road, one of the biggest highways of Italy. Mussolini's central station with Pirelly Skyscraper, built in 1956, is the modern centre of the city and is situated on its north-west. Fierra district in the western part of the city, famous for its fashion and trade fairs arranged there. It is located near Porta Genova metro station.

As for the financial situation, the start of economic growth dates back to the 19th century after metal and rubber industries came instead of agricultural and purely commercial enterprises. In previous times canals of Milan connected in a network with each other, were important for irrigational system and were widely used for Lombard plains thanks to agriculture leading position. Nowadays it is not topical any longer. As many waterways stopped functioning, they were filled and only some canals still exist. One can navigate in Navigli area – the port district, where Bocconi University is situated, though it has a fashionable touch, where people meet to have drinks in some bar and enjoy music.

There are many things Milan is famous for all over the world for. Being the capital of automobile industry, a recognized leader in financial sphere, its major popularity is achieved thanks to the legendary fashion houses. Milan has acquired the status of one of the fashion capitals. As a result of it, the whole industry has grown there: advertising agencies, mass media branches. This is a place of supermodels and paparazzi, coming here mostly to fairs, taking place in autumn and spring. The designs of famous fashion brands, such as Armani and Vercace are luring, as well as their names which attract like magnets and this makes foreigners cross the countries to be closer to the world of fashion. Italians are highly reputable for creativity in almost all spheres and Milan is the city reflecting their national traits.