Milan
Milan[5] (Milanese: [miˈlãː] ⓘ; Italian: Milano, Italian: [miˈlaːno] ⓘ)[6] is a city in northern Italy, regional capital of Lombardy, and the second-most-populous city proper in Italy after Rome. The city proper has a population of about 1.4 million,[7] while its metropolitan city has 3.22 million residents.[8] The urban area of Milan is the fourth largest in the EU with 5.27 million inhabitants.[9] According to national sources, the population within the wider Milan metropolitan area (also known as Greater Milan) is estimated between 4.9 million and 7.4 million, making it by far the largest metropolitan area in Italy and one of the largest in the EU.[10][11] Milan is the economic capital of Italy, one of the economic capitals of Europe and a global financial centre.[12][13]
"Milano" redirects here. For other uses, see Milano (disambiguation) and Milan (disambiguation).
Milan is a leading alpha global city, with strengths in the fields of art, chemicals, commerce, design, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media (communication), services, research and tourism.[14][15] Its business district hosts Italy's stock exchange (Italian: Borsa Italiana), and the headquarters of national and international banks and companies. In terms of GDP, Milan is the wealthiest city in Italy, has the third-largest economy among EU cities after Paris and Madrid, and is the wealthiest among EU non-capital cities.[16][17][18] Milan is viewed along with Turin as the southernmost part of the Blue Banana urban development corridor (also known as the "European Megalopolis"), and one of the Four Motors for Europe. Milan is one of the international tourism destinations, appearing among the most visited cities in the world, ranking second in Italy after Rome, fifth in Europe and sixteenth in the world.[19][20] Milan is a major cultural centre, with museums and art galleries that include some of the most important collections in the world, such as major works by Leonardo da Vinci.[21][22] It also hosts numerous educational institutions, academies and universities, with 11% of the national total of enrolled students.[23][24]
Founded around 590 BC under the name Medhelanon by a Celtic tribe belonging to the Insubres group and belonging to the Golasecca culture, it was conquered by the ancient Romans in 222 BC, who latinized the name of the city into Mediolanum.[25][26] The city's role as a major political centre dates back to the late antiquity, when it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire.[27] From the 12th century until the 16th century, Milan was one of the largest European cities and a major trade and commercial centre; consequently, it became the capital of the Duchy of Milan, one of the greatest political, artistic and fashion forces in the Renaissance.[28][29] Having become one of the main centres of the Italian Enlightenment during the early modern period. During the Restoration it was among the most active centres, until its entry into the unified Kingdom of Italy. During the modern period the city became the industrial and financial capital of Italy.[30][31]
Milan has been recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals.[32] Many of the most famous luxury fashion brands in the world have their headquarters in the city, including: Armani, Prada, Versace, Moschino, Valentino and Zegna.[33][34] It also hosts several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, which are among the world's biggest in terms of revenue, visitors and growth.[35][36][37] The city is served by many luxury hotels and is the fifth most starred in the world by Michelin Guide.[38] It hosted the Universal Exposition in 1906 and 2015. In the field of sports, Milan is home to two of Europe's most successful football teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan, and one of Europe's main basketball teams, Olimpia Milano. Milan will host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic games for the first time in 2026, together with Cortina d'Ampezzo.[39][40][41]