Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MILAN
POP 1.3 MILLION
Milan is Italy's city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis with New World qualities: ambi-
tion, aspiration and a highly individualistic streak. In Milan appearances really do matter
and materialism requires no apology. The Milanese love beautiful things, luxurious things,
and it is for that reason perhaps that Italian fashion and design maintain their esteemed
global position.
But like the models that stalk the catwalks, many consider Milan to be vain, distant and
dull. And it is true that the city makes little effort to seduce visitors. But this superficial
lack of charm disguises a city of ancient roots and many treasures, that, unlike in the rest of
Italy, you'll often get to experience without the queues. So while the Milanese may not
have time to always play nice, jump in and join them in their intoxicating round of pursuits,
be that precision shopping, browsing edgy contemporary galleries or loading up a plate
with local delicacies while downing an expertly mixed negroni cocktail
.
ADOPT A SPIRE
The building of Milan's cathedral was such an epic feat that it necessitated the creation of a factory re-
sponsible for all operational activities and construction. That factory is the Fabbrica del Duomo, Italy's
oldest company. It has overseen the work of the Duomo's construction from 1387 until January 1965
(the inauguration of the last gate).
Today it continues the enormous task of maintaining the cathedral. This is no mean feat when 5 milli-
on people (and 40% of all visitors to Milan) pass through the bronze doors each year, not to mention
new austerity measures that slashed 30% off Italy's culture budget.
But now you, too, can chip in with the Fabbrica's latest inspired idea,
Adopt a Spire
(
www.getyourspire.com
). This crowd-sourced campaign aims to raise some €25 million in order to re-
store 134 of the cathedral's fabulous spires. Major donors (contributing €100,000 or more) will even
have their names engraved on the spires, but you can donate as little as €10.
History
Celtic tribes settled along the Po river in the 7th century BC, and the area encompassing
modern-day Milan has remained inhabited since. In AD 313, Emperor Constantine made
his momentous edict granting Christians freedom of worship here. The city had already re-
placed Rome as the capital of the empire in 286, a role it kept until 402.
