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The Golden Ages of Milan

Between the 13th and 16th century, Milan was ruled by families such as the Visconti and Sforza. Under their reign, the city was embellished with magnificent murals, extraordinary churches and other architectural delights. The Visconti, who reached the pinnacle of their power around 1395, commissioned the construction of architectural gems such as the Duomo and San Marco.

Arts & Culture

The pointed arches of Santa Maria delle Grazie

A love of the Renaissance

Ludovico il Moro also ordered a redesign of the church Santa Maria delle Grazie. In 1492, he had the famous architect Donato Bramante break down the apse of the church and then rebuild it in Renaissance style. The 2 different styles are immediately apparent within the church: while it had originally been decorated with frescoes, Bramante preferred to keep his segment more sober.

Serpents throughout the city

When Matteo Visconti conquered the city in 1295, he incorporated the emblem of the serpent into his coat of arms. He realised that in addition to military power, he also needed a family legend to support his legitimacy. Visconti told the Milanese that one of his ancestors had liberated the city from a dragon while being protected by a snake he had wrapped around his body. The Visconti serpents can still be seen in many places. An example is above the entrance of the Certosa di Pavia south of Milan where Gian Galleazzo Visconti had a mausoleum built for his family.

The Visconti family coat of arms

Alfa Milano

The Visconti could not have imagined that their coat of arms would one day be visible in streets all over the world – that is, on the logo of the car brand Alfa Romeo. The company was founded in Milan in 1910 as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, abbreviated to ALFA. As its logo, it used the Visconti coat of arms with the ring snake along with the red cross of the city banner of Milan. The car brand was initially even called Alfa Milano. When the Neapolitan Nicola Romeo took over the reins in 1915, he changed the name to Alfa Romeo. He was perhaps somewhat less enthusiastic about the Milanese origin of the brand.

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Culinary

A trip to Milan consists of more than just shopping, enjoying the culture and admiring the Duomo – sampling a plate of risotto is a must! The Milanese love their risotto. While in the vast majority of Italy pasta rules supreme, Northern Italy is best known for its rice dishes such as risotto. There are several restaurants that specialise entirely in this dish.

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Once a symbol of power, Castello Sforzesco has now become an important cultural attraction. The enormous fort in the centre of Milan was originally built as an impenetrable stronghold. It was from here that the Visconti family and later on the Sforza family ruled the city. Since 1896, the castle has housed one of the largest art collections in Milan; take some time to admire the displays of sculptures, European porcelain and Baroque furniture.

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The Santa Maria delle Grazie church has become more popular than ever in recent years. Since the bestselling book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown and the successful film adaptation of the book, this church has been attracting even larger crowds than before. They all come to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s mural ‘The Last Supper’. The mural, which depicts Jesus with his disciples on the evening before Judas betrays him, is inextricably linked to the history of this church.

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Naviglio is one of the most charming and artistic districts of Milan. More and more artists are opening their studios here and painting, modelling and creating installations on the spot. This neighbourhood is perfect for rummaging for art, bric-a-brac and unique items from the old days. There’s no better place to buy original souvenirs and works of art for a lasting memento of your visit to Naviglio.

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“Franza o Spagna purche se magna” is a cynical saying that translates as “France or Spain, it doesn’t matter, just as long as we get to eat”. From the 16th to the 19th century, Milan has alternately been in the hands of the Spaniards, Austrians and French. Many buildings and squares still recall that domination.

Shopping

Milan is heaven on earth for lovers of expensive designer labels such as Versace, Prada and Louis Vuitton. The ‘Golden Triangle’ between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Manzoni is home to the largest international brand labels. But there are also many unique boutiques, specialty shops and vintage stores: indeed, it is this varied choice that makes Milan such an attractive shopping destination.

Arts & Culture

At the centre of the Piazza del Duomo stands the Duomo di Milano. This cathedral is a genuine Gothic masterpiece with more than 3,500 statues of saints, animals and monsters, and 135 towers stretching towards the heavens. Construction of this immense place of worship took some 600 years and work was still being carried out on the uppermost sections and portals as recently as 1950.

Culinary

Italians love good food and take their time over it during their afternoon lunch. This is a good time to discuss important aspects of life such as family, art, films, food and wine. But even though Italians are fans of leisurely wining and dining, there are also some delicious quick bites to be had in Milan. You’ll be back exploring the city in no time having snacked on a delicious panini or panzerotti.