Milan is the capital city of the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. It is the second largest city by population in Italy , behind Rome. It is Italy’s leading financial centre and its most prosperous manufacturing and commercial city.

Milan

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Milan summary

Milan

Q: Where is Milan located?

Milan lies to the north of the Po River in northern Italy , halfway across the immense plain spreading between the Ticino River , to the west of the city, and the Adda River , to its east. The city’s site is 400 feet (122 metres) above sea level. To the north rise the Alps .

Q: What is Milan known for?

Milan is known as Italy ’s “moral capital.” Milanese believe that their positive work ethic has led to Milan becoming a world capital of fashion , design, finance , business services, and media and publishing. Milan is also famous for its art and architecture, as it is the home of Leonardo da Vinci ’s Last Supper and a celebrated Gothic cathedral, the Duomo.

Q: When is Milan Fashion Week?

Milan Fashion Week takes place semiannually during February and September. During these weeks many designers hold fashion shows and presentations that include runways and designer showrooms. Two of the major players present are Versace and Armani , both Milan-based brands.

Q: Why was Milan important during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance Milan was one of Europe’s economic and political centres. It gained wealth through its rich agriculture and manufactures of silk and weapons. Milan also served as an entrepôt between Italy and northern Europe. Ludovico Sforza used his wealth to commission great art, such as Leonardo da Vinci ’s Last Supper .

Italy

Also known as: Mediolanum, Milano

Written by Alberto Lecco, John Foot•All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025 • Article History

Italian:: Milano

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What is Milan?

Where is Milan located?

What is Milan known for?

When is Milan Fashion Week?

Why was Milan important during the Renaissance?

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Milan, city, capital of Milano province (provincia) and of the region (regione) of Lombardy (Lombardia), northern Italy. It is the leading financial centre and the most prosperous manufacturing and commercial city of Italy. The destiny of Milan, like that of many of the world’s great cities, remains something of a historical paradox. There are powerful factors supporting the argument that Milan should have become the capital of a unified Italy, and this is the belief of many Milanese, in spite of the fact that the unity of Italy was actually born in Turin, rather than in Milan, in 1870. Milan, ...(100 of 6261 words)

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