NIK-LAS.com | Milan Description


	Milan or ‘Milano’ is located in the plains of the Lombardy region of Italy which has a humid subtropical climate with typically damp cold winters and warm humid summer. It is considered Italy’s second largest city with a population of about 1.3 million, and Italy’s largest metropolitan area with an urban area of about 4.5 million featuring ethnic representation from over 145 countries. The city was first inhabited by the Gauls in 400 B.C, followed by the Romans who conquered it and named it Mediolanum. It was later declared the capital of the Western Roman Empire by Emperor Diocletian in 293 AD. The Lombards conquered it in 569 A.D, and in 1117 Milan became a municipality expanding itself through war with nearby municipalities. It continued to increase its importance, and finally was changed to a “Seigneury”. The Visconti noble family came to power in 1300 and brought about a lengthy period of splendour and wealth to the city. After Francesco Sforza of the Sforza family took over, Milan became one of the leading cities of the Italian Renaissance fostering development in sciences, art and literature.

	Milan was declared capital of the Cisalpine Republic when Napoleon conquered Lombardy in 1796 and later the capital of the Reign of Italy. The Austrians arrived in Milan at the start of the 18th century bringing along the culture of the lyric opera. The Teatro alla Scala was built on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, and has showcased the debut of some of the greatest names in opera: Rossigni, Bellini, Toscanini, and Giuseppe Verdi. The annexed Scala Museum contains a collection of paintings, drafts, statues, costumes, and other documents regarding opera and La Scala's history. When the Austrians were driven out of Milan in 1859, the city and the rest of Lombardy were incorporated into the Kingdom of Piedmont, which then became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Milan was immediately chosen as the economic and cultural capital of Italy, and has maintained this title ever since. The Lombard metropolis holds several prominent titles on the global stage. It is one of the major financial and business centres of the world and the powerhouse of Italy, boasting the 4th highest GDPs in Europe and is home to the Italian Stock Exchange (the Borsa Italiana). Plus it has Italy’s largest industrial area producing textile and garments, automobiles (Alfa Romeo), industrial tools, and heavy machinery.

	Milan is also considered as one of the world capitals of design and fashion, showcasing the headquarters of some of the leading international designers, such as, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Versace, Luis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, etc. It is famous for its prestigious boutiques and luxury shops found along Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea, Via Manzoni, and the four-storey Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II glass-domed arcade within the famous Fashion Quadrilatero. For other types of shopping, the very popular Saturday morning Fiera di Senigallia flea market in Viale d'Annunzio, offers Indian, South American and African craftwork; new and second-hand clothes, old furniture, perfumed candles, among other items. The significant historical attractions are contained between the two landmark sites - the world's largest Gothic cathedral (Il Duomo) and the majestic Gothic-Renaissance style Castello Sforzesco whose central tower (Torre del Filarete) dominates one of the most beautiful landscapes in Milan.

	There is, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with many arts of Bramante and his work in the beautifully luminous tribune, plus, the famous Cenacolo Vinciano (Last Supper) fresco painted by Leonardo da Vinci; the Royal Palace dating back to 1100; the 25 meters high Arco della Pace in the middle of Piazza Sempione; the ancient Romanesque style Basilica di Sant' Ambrogi, originally called Basilica Martyrum, built in dedication to the Saint patron of Milan; and the 17th-century Pinacoteca di Brera Palazzo which houses one of Italy's finest collections of medieval and Renaissance art. Besides, its evident historical culture, Milan possesses an entertaining nightlife. The Ticinese-Navigli district southwest of Milan is popular for its trendy dance clubs, cosy pubs and sandwich bars, while the Brera district offers many art galleries, small clubs, and restaurants. Plus, there is the popular "Musica in Metro" program, a series of summer concerts performed by local music students in subway stations. Adding to that, there are traditional operas, theatre, ballet, recitals, concerts or cinema. Like many Italian cities, there is much to learn, appreciate, enjoy and do here.


	School Facilities

	Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Centre: is located inside a student campus in the Navigli zone, full of artists, bars and cafes. It is a well connected to the city center by subway and by bus. All classrooms have air conditioning, and the campus boasts a park, a bar and a refectory. There is also free internet access available.