10 Interesting Facts About Milan Explained with Video
Milan is a city in northern Italy and the second-most populous city in Italy. It serves as the capital of the Lombardy administrative region, and in the past, Milan was the capital of the western Roman empire. Milan is the commercial hub of Italy, and its GDP is only behind Paris and Madrid in Europe. If you are planning to stopover in the city, here are some interesting facts about Milan, Italy.
General Facts About Milan
1. Milan is the third-largest metropolitan area in Europe
Population measure of a city will depend on the considering regions such as the city proper, metropolitan area, and urban area. As for Milan, it has a population of around 1.4 million within city limits. The metro area has a population of about 3.2 million and 5.2 million living in urban areas. The more expansive Milan metropolitan area, also known as Greater Milan's population, is the third-largest in Europe.
2. Milan has the third-largest economy in Europe
Milan is the economic hub of Italy and is the wealthiest among non-capital European cities. The city is a part of the "Blue Banana," a corridor of urbanization spreading over Western and Central Europe, and "Four Motors for Europe," an interregional network of four highly industrialized regions in Europe. In 2017, Milan's GDP was 207.5 billion Euros making it the third-largest behind Paris and Madrid.
Interesting Facts About Milan
3. Milan is the original fashion capitals of the world
A fashion capital is a city that has a significant influence on international fashion trends. Milan has always been the fashion capital in the world since the 16th century, even though today Paris, New York, and London also considered fashion capitals. The Milan fashion week is one of the key fashion events in the world, attracting many fashion enthusiasts around the world.
4. Milan Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world
Milan Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Milano is one of the city's main attractions. The cathedral's interior is 11,700 m² (125,937 square miles), making it the third-largest cathedral behind St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida of Brazil. The site's construction started in 1386 and finished in 1965, taking about six centuries to complete.
5. La Scala considered being the heart and soul of Milan
Teatro Alla Scala is one of the leading opera houses in the world. Built-in 1778, many worlds renowned singers and opera artists have performed in this opera house.
La Scala also has an academy known as Accademia Teatro Alla Scala, which offers professional training programs in music, dance, and other stage performances.
6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest functioning shopping mall in Italy
Another major landmark in Milan is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Named after Victor Emanuele II, the first king of the kingdom of Italy, it is the oldest active shopping mall in Italy. The glass and iron roof covering the street is the signature feature of this shopping mall. It is a common Milanese meeting and dining with several luxury retailers, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
7. Milan is one of the best nightlife destinations
Milan has many restaurants and bars that close late at night, and the city's nightlife friendliness makes it one of the best nightlife destinations. Clover in Zona Buenos Aires and Chiosco Maradona in Navigli are some of the best places for a nighttime drink.
8. Milan is the home of the famous painting "The last supper"
Probably one of the most interesting facts about Milan is that it is the home of the famous painting of The Last Supper.
“The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most recognizable paintings. This 15th-century mural is in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan.
The mural represents the scene of the last supper of Jesus. Unfortunately, despite several restoration projects, little of the original painting remains today due to several environmental factors, methods used by da Vinci, and intentional damages.
9. Pirelli is based in Milan
Pirelli is one of the most popular tire brands and the seventh-largest tire manufacturer in the world. Milan is the home of the tire manufacturer. Founded in 1872, Pirelli has a long history associated with motor racing. Today they are the official supplier of Formula 1. After its completion, the Pirelli tower was the tallest building in Milan.
10. Milan is home to two of the most famous soccer clubs in the world
Soccer is the most famous sport in Italy. One of the popular Milan facts is that Milan is home to the country's two biggest soccer clubs which are A.C. Milan and Internazionale Milan or simply Inter Milan.
Apart from the city, these two teams share the same stadium, San Siro, the biggest stadium in Milan. These two teams have a rivalry, and matches between them (Derby Della Madonnina) are a massive sight in the city.