Milan is one of the most highly developed urban centres in Europe. Its name derives from Latin Mediolanum (that means "in the midst of the plain", due to its location in a plain close to the confluence of two small rivers, the Olona and the Seveso); it was an important city during the Lombard kingdom. Milan became one of the leading cities of the Italian Renaissance after the constitution of the Dukedom of Milan.
The Cathedral Duomo is one of the symbols of this city: in white Candoglia marble the majestic construction extends about 157 m length, 93 m wide, and its tallest spire reaches a height of 108 metres. With its 5 naves it is overwhelmingly great and one of the largest churches in Europe. The work on the Cathedral Duomo started 1386. It is the most important work of gothic architecture in Italy. During the construction of five centuries, the style has be influenced by many architects. The façade was started in 1567 and was built in a classic-baroque style with a certain variety of classical and neo gothic elements. 1805 the front works were finished, while the construction of the statues continued through the 19th century.
La Scala Theater, built on 1778 by Piermarini, is the temple of the lyrical music and one of the most attractive Opera Houses of the world too.
In the refectory in the Dominican convent of the church St. Maria delle Grazie, during the years 1494-1498 Leonardo da Vinci painted his famous "Last Supper": this world-famous painting was been commissioned by Ludovico il Moro and it is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, together with the church and the Dominican convent.
The defence castle of the Sforza was built in the XV century. The clocktower, 70 m high, is situated in the middle of the front-façade. Through the gate you reach the innercourt, that was used as exercise square. On both sides of the court there are gates with drawbridges.
Do not forget to visit the historical palaces, the outdoor monuments and statues and the several museums (Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Civic Museum of Contemporary Art, Royal Palace, Vinci's Gallery, Egyptian Museum, Contemporary Art Gallery, Archaeological Museum, Diocesan Museum, Milan's Dome Museum, National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci").