MILAN

Milan, a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centuries of art and culture.

It has the second most populous city proper in the country, but sits at the centre of Italy’s largest urban and metropolitan area. Milan’s museums have one of the most expensive artifacts in the world. In terms of tourism and arts, some of its few record-breaking landmarks are in the city center, home to the world’s first 7 star hotel  and one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world.

Milan remains the marketplace for Italian fashion – fashion aficionados, supermodels and international paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs. Don’t get fooled by the modern aspect of the city, since it’s one of the most ancient cities in Europe with more than 26 centuries of history and heritage!

From cutting-edge design showcases to hi-tech olive presses and a sidewalk scene that makes Fashion Week seem entirely redundant, Milan is both thrilling and fun. Everyone here is fizzing with ideas, ambition and energy, and it’s catching.