Milan, which is the second most populous city in Italy after Rome, is known for being a major world financial center, a world-famous center for fashion, and Italy's main industrial center. In this city tourist will find numerous attractions, high-end restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. On this page you will find lists of interesting facts about Milan including where it is located, what popular tourist attractions are there, its history, and weather.
Milan Italy General Facts
Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region of Italy located in the northwestern part of the country.
Italy's only stock exchange (The Borsa di commercio di Milano) is located in Milan.
This Italian city has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, that can reach temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), and cold winters with temperatures that can fall to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
In 222 B.C. what today is the city of Milan was conquered and annexed by the Roman Empire.
Due to its strategic location in northern Italy, control of Milan has been fought over for thousands of years. Many peoples including Romans, Celts, Goths, Austrians, and Spaniards have controlled the city at some time in history.
During World War II the Allies inflicted heavy damage on Milan; due to Milan being an industrial center for Italy it was a major target for bombing raids.
Milan Italy Places to See Facts (Top 5 Places)
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
Construction on this building began in 1386 AD and was not completed until nearly 600 years later in 1965.
The Milan Cathedral is the largest church in all of Italy. It is not bigger than St. Peter's Basilica which is technically in the State of Vatican City; not part of Italy.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Nativity.
Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica
Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica is a church and convent built in the 1400s and located in Milan.
This church is famous for having Leonardo da Vinci's mural of The Last Supper painted on a wall in the refectory of the convent. It is one of the world's greatest works of art.
Thousands of tourists visit this attraction every year.
La Scala Opera House
This world-renowned opera house, located in Milan, was opened in 1778.
The official name of this opera house is Teatro alla Scala.
At this famous attraction tourist can take in an opera, a concert, or even go on a guided tour of the famous building.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping mall in Italy.
This mall was built between 1865 and 1877.
This beautiful structure joins Milan's main piazza (city square) Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. The connecting street and arcades are covered with arched glass and cast iron.
The Pinacoteca di Brera ("Brera Art Gallery")
The Brera Art Gallery is one of the most important art galleries in all of Italy.
Parts of the building, which were originally a convent, were built in 1572. The gallery was formally founded in 1776.
There are art works on display by many famous artists including Giovanni Bellini, Raphael, and Andrea Mantegna.
