Milan Introduction

City Introduction

Milan (Italian: Milano) is a city in Italy, capital of the Lombardy region, and the largest metropolitan area and the second most populous comune in Italy. It is Italy's main industrial and financial centre and one of the most significant globally. In terms of GDP, it has the largest economy among European non-capital cities. Milan is considered part of the Blue Banana and lies at the heart of one of the Four Motors for Europe.

Milan is an Alpha leading global city,with strengths in the arts, commerce, design, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, services, research, and tourism.

History

Milan was initially discovered by the Celtics in the north of Italy around 600 B.C. at about 222 B.C. the Romans defeated the Celtics and quickly renamed Milan to Mediolanum, meaning center of the plain. During the fourth century, Milan successfully became the second largest city in Europe. Since 1300, the noble Visconti family began to rule, and Milan entered a prosperous and affluent era and the famous Milan Cathedral was built as the city image of Milan.

Many years after the war between Venice and Florence, the Sforza family replaced the noble Visconti family, resulting in the city gradually obtaining peace. During this peaceful period, Milan became the center of science, art, and literature. The famous Leonardo da Vinci was an important person with respect to culture, art, and science; he made great contributions during the renaissance era in Milan. Milan, during this era became an important cultural and art town.

When Charles V became king of the Spanish Empire in 1535, Milan experienced the era of being ruled for about 200 years. During the early 1800’s, the Austrians came to Milan and replaced the Spanish who ruled Milan. Under the rule of the Austrians, great changes took place in the city; culture, and neoclassic architecture started to thrive. In 1802, Napoleon set Milan as the capital of Republic of Italy and in 1805, he was crowned in Milan. In 1859, the citizens of Milan finally drove away the Austrians, and Milan was attached to Kingdom of Piedmont. In 1861, Milan was formally incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy. After being incorporated to Kingdom of Italy, Milan very quickly became the economic and cultural capital of Italy.

During the WWII, Milan was severely bombarded; fortunately, many precious cultural and artistic works survived the bombardments. For example, “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci was kept intact in spite of the war. After the war, Milan has been developing rapidly in urban economy and culture. Modern day Milan has developed into a world-famous modern metropolis.

Natural Environment

Milan is located on the north-western section of the Po Valley, approximately half-way between the river Po to the south and the foothills of the Alps with the great lakes (Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda) to the north; with Ticino river to the west and the Adda to the east. The area is flat with highest point being at 122m above sea level.

Climate

Milan has a Mediterranean climate; being dry and hot in the summer, warm and rainy in the winter. Sometimes in summer, it is very cool in the shade and inside buildings, particularly during the evening. It can sometimes even be cold.

Holidays:

New Year's Day (Capodanno), Jan. 1st

Epiphany (Epifania), Jan. 6th

Easter (Pasqua), first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox

LiberationDay (Festa della Liberazione), Apr. 25th

Labour Day (Festa del Lavoro), May. 1st

Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica), Jun. 2nd

Ferragosto, Aug. 15th

All Saints' Day (Tuttii Santi), Nov. 1st

Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione), Dec. 8th

Christmas Day (Natale), Dec 25th