Country | Italy |
Population | 1371498 |
Area | 181.76 km2 (70.18 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
Coordinates | 45.46427, 9.18951 |
Highest elevation | 120 m (390 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Milan, Italy, is a vibrant city in northern Italy, serving as the regional capital of Lombardy. With a population of about 1.4 million in the city proper and 3.22 million in the metropolitan area, Milan is Italy’s second-most-populous city after Rome. Its urban area is the fourth-most-populous in the EU, boasting 5.27 million inhabitants. Milan’s broader metropolitan area, known as Greater Milan, is estimated to have a population between 4.9 million and 7.4 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in Italy and one of the largest in the EU.
Milan is the economic heart of Italy and a major global financial center. It is recognized as a leading alpha global city with significant strengths in art, chemicals, commerce, design, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, services, research, and tourism. The city’s business district hosts Italy’s stock exchange (Borsa Italiana) and numerous national and international banks and companies. Milan is Italy’s wealthiest city in terms of GDP and one of the largest economies among EU cities.
Historically, Milan was founded around 590 BC by a Celtic tribe of the Insubres and was later conquered by the Romans in 222 BC, who named it Mediolanum. The city gained prominence as a major political center during late antiquity, serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In the Renaissance, Milan was a significant trade and commercial center, becoming the capital of the Duchy of Milan. The city played a crucial role in the Italian Enlightenment and was a key player during the Restoration, eventually joining the unified Kingdom of Italy. By the 20th century, Milan had established itself as Italy’s industrial and financial capital.
Culturally, Milan is renowned for its museums and art galleries, housing important collections, including major works by Leonardo da Vinci. The city is home to numerous educational institutions, academies, and universities, with 11% of Italy’s student population enrolled here. Milan is also a global fashion capital, hosting luxury fashion brands like Armani, Prada, Versace, Moschino, Valentino, and Zegna. The city is famous for its international events, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, which are among the largest in the world.
Milan’s tourism industry is thriving, with the city ranking as the second-most-visited in Italy after Rome, fifth in Europe, and sixteenth in the world. The city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and modern attractions make it a top destination. Landmarks include the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), the historic Sforza Castle, and the prestigious La Scala opera house.
In sports, Milan is home to two of Europe’s most successful football teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan, as well as the top basketball team, Olimpia Milano. The city will co-host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2026 with Cortina d’Ampezzo, further cementing its status as a global sports hub.
Overall, Milan is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, blending its rich historical past with modern economic prowess and cultural influence, making it a key player on the global stage.
Leave a Reply