Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
History
The Romans didn't consider wild Cisalpine Gaul part of Italy at all. In 222 BC
when they conquered the city of the Insubri Celts they named it Mediolanum
(middle of the plains). Since then Milan has been home to Imperial courts, sup-
plied arms for various empires and flourished on the back of clever politicking,
manufacturing and well-managed farming.
Best Roman Remains
Civico Museo Archeologico
Home to Roman, Greek and Etruscan artefacts and
a model of Roman Milan. (
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)
San Lorenzo Columns
Has 16 freestanding columns salvaged from a Roman
residence and is now an
aperitivo
hotspot. (
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)
Best Medieval Milan
Castello Sforzesco
Home of the Visconti and Sforza dynasties who ruled Renais-
sance Milan, and now the repository of splendid period artworks. (
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)
Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Houses Leonardo da Vinci's priceless sketchbook, the
Codex Atlanticus
. (
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)
Isole Borromeo
The island palaces of the Borromei of Milan, who possess fishing
rights over Lake Maggiore, as they have since the 1500s. (
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)
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
With its medieval masterpieces, magnificent gold al-
tar and sky of gold, this is the resting place of Saint Ambrogio. (
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)
Best Modern Milan
Duomo
Napoleon chose Milan as capital of his Cisalpine Empire and finally fin-
ished the Duomo, where he was crowned. (
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)
