Milan: Fashion, Food and the Rennaissance

Milan is well known for its reputation as a fashion capital, however there’s more to the city than that. It’s also a city rich with history, art and culture which is why I had always wanted to visit it and now I can say that I have.

Milan flourished during the 15th century Italian Renaissance thanks in part to the powerful Visconti and Sforza families, who transformed the city into a centre of learning, architecture, and the arts. It was under their patronage that geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci and Donato left their everlasting mark on the city.

The most famous Renaissance treasure in Milan is Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”, housed on the refectory wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Painted between 1495 and 1498, the artwork captures the moment when Christ reveals his betrayal by one of the apostles. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly, so you need to book months in advance if you want to see it.

Construction on Milan’s famous Duomo di Milano began in the late 14th century and was completed centuries later. Its evolution reflects a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and walking into the cool interior you’ll find soaring columns, intricate stained glass, and elaborate sculptures which demonstrate the incredible artistry that helped shape Milan.

For opera lovers a trip to Milan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to La Scala, one of the world’s greatest theatres. You don’t need a show ticket to visit the Opera house as guided tours are available.

Yet there’s still no getting away from Milan’s reputation for fashion. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, is itself a 19th-century architectural wonder. Looking up there’s a large glass dome and beautiful paintings while at ground level flagship designer boutiques of Italian fashion houses line the arcade next to upmarket restaurants.

Milan is also a gastronomic destination. Its signature dish is risotto alla Milanese a rich creamy dish with the added ingredient of saffron which gives the dish a unique flavour and colour.

Café culture thrives throughout Milan, and sipping an espresso in a bustling piazza gives you an insight into the ways of the city. The Navigli district, originally designed with canals that Leonardo da Vinci helped engineer, is a popular area for nightlife, dining, art galleries and trendy boutiques.

Milan is a city of contrasts where old meets new. An economic powerhouse where wealth and grandeur permeates throughout the city. Where business deals are done over cups of espresso in traditional old cafes while well-heeled Italians frequent the modern designer stores. It’s a city proud of its history and culture and with a reputation for fashion which has remained true to itself for decades.