Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, a bustling city of finance and industry, media empires and fashion houses, backed up by an impressive cultural heritage of important art galleries and ancient churches. Yet a 40-minute train ride takes you to the azure pools of “the lakes”, lined with fishing villages, villas and laid-back resorts.
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One of the largest and most ingenious works created by the ultimate Renaissance Man. It is in an advanced state of deterioration now, but even the shadow that remains of this great work can teach us volumes about Renaissance ideals.
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The world’s largest Gothic cathedral took more than 400 years to complete, a forest of stone pinnacles, flying buttresses, more than 3,500 statues and fantastic panoramas from its roof.
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Northern Italy’s greatest painting gallery displays masterpieces by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Piero della Francesca, Raphael and Caravaggio.
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A sprawling 15th-century castle, now home to collections of tapestries, archaeological artifacts, paintings by Bellini and Mantegna, and sculptures that include Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pietà .
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This cultural study centre founded in the 17th century contains works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael and Caravaggio.
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One of the oldest churches in Milan, it was founded by the city’s bishop and patron saint Ambrose in 379. It’s filled with mosaics and carvings dating back to the 4th century.
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Three verdant islands, one still dominated by a fishing village, the other two clad in the sumptuous villas and ornate gardens of the local ruling Borromeo clan.
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The pinnacle of the Lombard Renaissance, a vast monastery and church complex in the Po plains with an ornate marble façade, exquisite carved tombs, and some excellent paintings and frescoes.
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The perfect balance of small town charm and sophisticated culture, medieval streets and Renaissance buildings, chic boutiques and hearty home-cooking.
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The ancient seat of the Gonzaga dukes – ringed on three sides by shallow lakes – boasts Renaissance palaces designed and decorated by the likes of Mantegna and Giulio Romano.
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Gay and Lesbian Film FestivalSupported by a number of international cultural organisations, Milan's annual gay and lesbian film festival has been running for more than 20 years and offers a week of screenings at the Teatro... Read more
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Earth Water Air FireEarth Water Air Fire is a photography exhibition at Milan's White Star Adventure, re-exhibiting the pictures that celebrated the tenth anniversary of National Geographic Italia earlier this... Read more
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RadioheadOne of the biggest bands in the world, British quintet Radiohead bring their 2008 tour on the back of new album, In Rainbows, to Milan's Arena Civica for two nights. Read more
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Cornetto Free Music FestivalThe Cornetto Free Music Festival consists of three free outdoor concerts by big international artists in three of the best-known squares in Italy, Milan's Piazza Duomo, Rome's Piazza del Popolo and... Read more
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