Milan - Italy

Milan, the cosmopolitan capital of Italy's Lombardy region, is a city steeped in history, fashion, and art. Founded by the Celts in the 6th century BCE, Milan flourished under Roman rule and later became a powerful medieval city-state. Renowned for its economic prowess and cultural patronage during the Renaissance, Milan has evolved into a global hub of design, commerce, and creativity.

The city's skyline is graced by architectural marvels such as the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece adorned with intricate spires and statues. Nearby, the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers a luxurious shopping experience under its soaring glass dome.

Art enthusiasts flock to Milan to admire Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, "The Last Supper," housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo del Novecento showcase an impressive collection of Italian art spanning centuries.

For a taste of Milan's culinary delights, visitors can explore the lively Navigli district, known for its picturesque canals and bustling nightlife, or savor traditional risotto alla milanese in one of the city's trattorias.

For me one of the highlights during my visit in 2015 was the Expo.

Milan makes a perfect starting point for trip through Italy with plenty of train connections to Florence, Bologna, Venice, Rome, Turin and other. Also there are plenty of international train connections including to Nice, Zurich, Frankfurt, Vienna, just to name a few.

The best time to visit Milan is during the spring months of April to June or the autumn months of September to November when the weather is mild, and the city hosts a variety of cultural events and fashion shows. Avoiding the hot and humid summer months ensures a more comfortable experience for sightseeing.

With its blend of history, culture, and sophistication, Milan offers travelers an enchanting journey through the heart of Italian elegance and innovation.