Milan remains one of Europe's powerhouse cities. Settimana della Moda - Fashion Week - further underlines Milan's position as European fashion capital. Whether you're visiting for the catwalk shows of just to soak up some Italian style here's ten top sights to see.
10 Corso Como: This contemporary art, design and slow shopping opportunity lies in a converted garage and is the brainchild of former editor of Italian Vogue, Carla Sozzani. Initially a gallery and book shop, the complex is now described as a 'living magazine' where editorial choices in food and fashion, music and art and lifestyle are made by visitors.
Duomo di Milano: Milan's vast cathedral is Italy's largest church. Started in 1385 the forest of pinnacles, spires and flying buttresses, together with over 4,000 statues, figures and gargoyles was notionally completed only in 1965… Keep in trim by taking the 150 steps the rooftop terraces and take in great views over the cathedral and city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A cathedral of consumption, this elegant 19th century mall even has a Holy of Holies, the world's first Prada store. Just off Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria is known as 'Milan's Living Room' - the Milanese must live very well indeed. If you miss the week's shows, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino all have a presence here and the pizzazz often resurfaces. Just relax and make yourself at home.
Naviglio Grande: The most important of Milan's remaining canals, the final Sunday of each month sees the pastel-coloured shop facades overlooking both banks joined by over 400 stalls selling antiques, vintage clothes and curios. These days there's less bric-a-brac and bargains are harder to find. However, it's a fascinating morning stroll.
Parco Sempione: Sometimes you need to lose the paparazzi, relax your gaze and head for an open green expanse. Parco Sempione fulfils these criteria. Designed in 1893 as a romantic English garden it extends to almost 40 Hectares of ponds, meadows and cafes between the landmarks of Arco della Pace and Castello Sforzesco.
Pinacoteca di Brera: Fashion is generally a living art created by living artists. For canvas and oil masterpieces created by previous generations Milan's Brera gallery has one of the finest collections of Italian art from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Piero della Francesca and Canaletto.
Quadrilatero D'Ora: Milan's 'fashion' epicentre lies within the Quadrilatero D'Ora (Rectangle of Gold) formed by Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant'Andrea and Via Montenapoleone. Via della Spiga is partly closed to traffic and thus most amenable to window shoppers dangerously distracted by a tempting profusion of designer brands.
Teatro alla Scala: Opened in the 18th century the 2,800 seat teatro has entertained audiences for 200-years, witnessing primaperformances of many now famous operas, those of Giuseppe Verdi in particular. The best seats for concerts, operas and recitals are expensive and/or difficult to book. However, if you can live with partial views last minute bargains may be available.
The Last Supper: When asked about life as a model Jerry Hall reportedly replied in a dry Texas drawl, 'Well, you don't get much food.' Even outside Fashion Week you don't get much time to see Leonardo's masterpiece, 'The Last Supper' - just 15-minutes. Book tickets in advance and turn up 30-minutes before your slot at the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Latecomers go hungry.
Tram Ristorante ATMosfera: Perhaps at odds with its status as a fashion capital, Milan is also a culinary capital. A novel way to enjoy the cuisine and see some of the city's sights is to dine aboard one of two restored 1930s Carelli tramcars. An 'Orient Express' of tram journeys, amongst red velvet cushions and opulent suspended drapes, dinner departs Piazza Castello 8pm each evening and takes two hours.
This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com
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