- Milan is the capital of Lombardy (Lombardia) and the second most populated city in Italy, second to Rome.
- Milan is considered the fashion capital of the world and is part of the four fashion pillars in the world, including New York, London & Paris, France.
- Italy is tied with China for the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lombardy has the most in Italy at 9.
- The area is incredibly significant for art history and boasts The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, world renown violins by Stradivari and the world’s leading opera house Teatro alla Scala.
- The tradition of aperitivo, a pre-dinner snack or drink, began in Milan and spread to the rest of Italy. It is meant to “open the stomach” before consuming a meal.
- Milan’s Duomo hosted an “adopt a gargoyle” fundraiser previously and an “adopt a statue” fundraiser in 2020 to help raise money for restorations on the statues.
- In Milan, you can find travelling restaurants built in vintage trams. Called the ATMosfera tram restaurants, they shuttle diners around the city to see significant historical and contemporary places while enjoying delicious meals.
- Panettone was invented here, where it is said that in the 15th century, a scullery boy saved the day after a culinary disaster, by combining leftover ingredients into a sweet loaf.
- Dolce & Gabbana, the renowned fashion brand, is headquartered in Milan along with Prada, Versace & Valentino.
- Franciacorta, a sparkling wine created in Brescia, Lombardy, similar to Prosecco but arguably drier with a yeasty tone.
