Milan

Milan (Italian: Milano) is the regional capital of Lombardy, in northern Italy, and the seat of the Metropolitan City of Milan. It is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, with a population of 1,362,863 in 2026. The city's wider metropolitan area is the largest in Italy, and the fourth-largest in the European Union, with an estimated population of 6.55 million. Milan is considered Italy's economic capital, and its metropolitan area accounts for about 20% of the country's GDP.

Founded around 590 BC by a Celtic tribe, Milan was conquered by the Romans in 222 BC, who Latinized the name of the city into Mediolanum. At the end of the fourth century, it briefly served as capital of the Western Roman Empire. In the Late Medieval period, the wealthy Duchy of Milan was one of the greatest forces behind the Renaissance. As a major center of the Italian Enlightenment during the Early modern period, Milan's cultural and political struggle against Austrian domination was crucial in the reunification of the Kingdom of Italy. From the 19th century onwards, Milan led the industrial and financial development of Italy.

Milan is a major international center of industry, finance, science, communications, fashion, art and tourism. Milan is a global fashion capital and a major international tourist destination, being one of the most visited cities in the world, ranked second in Italy after Rome, fifth in Europe and sixteenth in the world. The city is a major cultural center, with museums and art galleries that feature some of the most important collections in the world, including major works by Leonardo da Vinci. Milan hosts several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, which are among the world's largest in terms of revenue, visitors and growth. In the field of sports, Milan is home to two of Europe's most successful football teams, AC Milan and Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan), and one of Europe's main basketball teams, Olimpia Milano. The city also co-hosted the Winter Olympic and Paralympic games in 2026.

Etymology

Milan began with a Celtic name, Medhelanon, which the ancient Romans changed to Mediolanum. In Celtic language, medhe- means "middle, center" and -lanon is like the Latin -planum, meaning "plain." So the name described a settlement in the middle of a plain or between watercourses, with rivers like the Olona, Lambro, and Seveso nearby.

The Latin name Mediolanum comes from words meaning "middle" and "plain." Some scholars think lanum comes from a Celtic word for an enclosure or special area, like a sanctuary. This could mean Mediolanum was the central town or sanctuary of a Celtic tribe. Other ideas tie the name to an old symbol of the city, a boar with both sharp bristles and sleek wool.

History

Main article: History of Milan

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Milan.

Celtic era

Around 590 BC, a Celtic tribe called the Insubres settled in the area, naming their village Medhelanon. They built a sacred space, a sanctuary, that guided the city's early layout. This sanctuary helped shape the paths of what would become important streets and squares in modern Milan.

Roman times

Main article: Mediolanum

Later, the Romans took control and renamed the city Mediolanum. They built large public spaces, including a theatre and an amphitheatre, and surrounded the city with walls. In 313 AD, an important agreement called the Edict of Milan was made here, allowing more freedom for different religions. The city grew and became an important part of the Roman Empire.

Middle Ages

Main article: Lordship of Milan

After the Roman era, Milan faced attacks but continued to grow. In the Middle Ages, it became a powerful city-state, sometimes fighting with nearby cities. By the late 1300s, Milan became a duchy, ruled by families like the Visconti and later the Sforza. This time brought great art and architecture to the city, including famous buildings and works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci.

Early modern

Main article: Duchy of Milan

In the years that followed, Milan saw many changes in rulers, from French to Spanish control. Despite challenges like wars and sicknesses, the city kept growing. It became a center for trade and culture, with important buildings and artworks being created.

Late modern and contemporary

On 18 March 1848, Milan stood up against rulers from Austria during a time called the "Five Days." This helped lead to Italy coming together as one country. In the 1900s, Milan became a leader in industry and fashion. Sadly, times were difficult during World War II, but the city rebuilt and continued to grow. Today, Milan is known for its fashion, design, and as a place where many important events take place.

Geography

Milan is found in the north-western part of the Po Valley, about halfway between the river Po and the foothills of the Alps. It is near big lakes such as Como, Maggiore, and Lugano. The land in Milan is flat, and the highest point is only 122 metres above sea level.

The city of Milan covers about 181 square kilometres, and in 2025 it had over 1.3 million people. The larger area around Milan, called the Metropolitan City of Milan, covers 1,575 square kilometres and has more than 3 million people. Milan has a humid subtropical climate, meaning it has hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. The city is protected by mountains, which help keep some of the harsh weather away.

Administration

Milan is governed by a City Council, which includes 48 elected members who help make decisions for the city. The city is led by a Mayor, currently Giuseppe Sala, who works with a group of 12 assistants to manage daily operations.

Milan is also the capital of the Metropolitan city of Milan, a larger area designed to coordinate services like transportation and schools for many nearby towns. The Mayor of Milan also serves as the leader of this larger area.

Additionally, Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region, one of Italy’s twenty regions and the most populated, with over ten million people. The region is governed by a Regional Council with 80 elected members.

Cityscape

Main article: History of architecture and art in Milan

See also: List of buildings in Milan and Villas and palaces in Milan

Milan is famous for its beautiful buildings and art. The city has been important in the history of architecture and has helped shape art history. It is home to many famous churches, including Milan's Cathedral, which is the largest church in Italy and a wonderful example of Gothic architecture.

During different periods, many famous architects have worked in Milan. In the past, the city had strong leaders who built important places like churches and palaces. In more recent times, Milan has become a center for industry and modern architecture. Today, the city has tall buildings and new areas that mix old and new styles.

Milan also has many parks and gardens. Sempione Park and Montanelli Gardens are two big parks in the city center. They have lakes, gardens, and places to learn about nature. Other parks like Monte Stella offer great views of the city and surrounding areas. Even in busy parts of Milan, you can find quiet gardens and green spaces to enjoy.

Demographics

As of 2026, Milan has a population of 1,362,863 people. About half are male and half are female. Young people make up 14% of the population, while older adults make up about 23%.

Milan’s population today is smaller than it was in the past. In 1973, the city had over 1.7 million people. After that, many moved to live in nearby towns and suburbs. The area around Milan now has more than 6 million people, making it one of the biggest urban areas in Europe.

Immigration

Many people from different countries live in Milan. Most residents come from Italy, but there are also people from Egypt, the Philippines, China, Peru, and Bangladesh. Over the past 15 years, the number of people living in Milan who were born in another country has more than doubled.

After World War II, Milan saw lots of people move there from poorer parts of Italy. Later, people from many other countries came to live in the city. Today, Milan is very multicultural, with people from Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Milan has large communities from East Asia, especially from the Philippines and China. There is also a well-known area called Chinatown. The city also has communities from the Horn of Africa, such as Eritrea and Ethiopia, and many people from Arab countries, especially Egypt.

Religion

Most people in Milan are Catholic, and the city is an important place for the Catholic Church. There are also communities of other religions in Milan, including Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist families. The city has many places of worship for these different faiths.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Milan

Milan is very important for Italy because it is a big city for business and money. While Rome is the capital for politics and culture, Milan is known as the economic heart of Italy. It is one of the richest cities in the country. In 2024, the area around Milan had a total of about €228 billion in goods and services made or sold, which is a lot of money.

Milan is famous for fashion and design. Many big fashion brands, like Armani and Prada, have their main offices there. The city also has many factories and offices for companies that make things like cars, steel, and technology. There are also many banks, insurance companies, and places where people can buy and sell things. Because of all these businesses, Milan is a busy and lively city with lots of jobs and opportunities.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Milan

Milan is a city rich in culture, with many museums and art galleries. The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important art galleries in the city, showing many famous paintings. The Castello Sforzesco hosts many art collections, including works by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

The city has a long history of art, dating back to the Middle Ages. Leonardo da Vinci worked in Milan and created famous paintings like The Last Supper. Milan was also influenced by the Baroque period and later became a center for modern art movements like Futurism.

Milan is also known for its music. The city is home to La Scala opera house, where many famous operas were first performed. The city has many theaters, orchestras, and music schools, and has been home to many famous composers and musicians throughout history.

Milan is famous for its fashion and design. It is one of the world’s fashion capitals, with many famous fashion brands based there. The city hosts Milan Fashion Week twice a year, showcasing new fashion designs. Milan is also known for its high-quality furniture and design, with many important design fairs held in the city.

Milan has a rich literary history. In the past, it was an important center for intellectual discussions and creative writing. Many famous writers and poets lived and worked in Milan, contributing to Italian literature.

Milan is also a major media center, with many newspapers, magazines, and television networks based there. The city has a strong tradition of journalism and publishing.

Milan has its own special foods, like cotoletta alla milanese (a breaded veal cutlet) and risotto alla milanese (a rice dish with saffron). The city is known for its delicious pastries, cheeses, and wines, making it a great place to explore food and dining.

Sport

Milan has been a host city for many important sports events. It welcomed matches during the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, and also held events like the 2003 World Rowing Championships and the 2009 World Boxing Championships. In 2018, Milan hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, and together with Cortina d'Ampezzo, it will host the 2026 Winter Olympics and 2026 Winter Paralympics.

The city is famous for its two top football clubs, AC Milan and Inter, who have won many international titles. They both play at the large San Siro stadium. Milan is also home to several basketball teams, including Olimpia Milano, and has teams for other sports like American football, cricket, and rugby. The nearby Monza Circuit is a historic track for Formula One racing, and Milan is the starting point for the famous Milan–San Remo cycling race.

Education

Milan is an important place for learning and studying. It has many schools and universities, with lots of students and teachers. The Polytechnic University of Milan is the oldest university there, and it is very good at teaching engineering, design, and architecture. The University of Milan is another big university where students study many subjects like medicine, science, and law.

There are also smaller universities and art schools in Milan. For example, the University of Milano-Bicocca focuses on science and technology, and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is a large private university. Milan has famous art schools too, like the Milan Academy of Fine Arts and the Marangoni Institute, where students learn about painting, fashion, and design.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Milan

Milan is a very important place for transportation in Italy and Europe. It has a big train station that is the second busiest in Italy and one of the busiest in Europe. There are also three airports near Milan that help many people travel every year.

Milan has many ways to get around the city. There are five subway lines, many tram and bus lines, and special buses that run on electric power. There are also services to help people rent bikes or cars to get around easily. The city works hard to make it safer and easier for everyone to travel, including those who ride bikes.

International relations

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Milan has many partner cities around the world. These partnerships help the cities work together and share ideas. One of these partners is Saint Petersburg, but for a time, they stopped working together because of some rules made by the Russian government. Later, they started working together again, and Saint Petersburg is still listed as a partner city of Milan.

People

Main article: List of people from Milan

Some people from Milan have been given special honors called honorary citizenship. This means the city recognizes their important contributions or achievements.