Milan history

The history of Milan is a centuries-old journey from a humble Celtic settlement to one of Europe's key cities. Its development has been defined by a strategic geographical location, political ambitions, and steady economic growth.

Foundation and Antiquity

The city was founded around 600 BC by the Insubres, a Celtic tribe, and was named Mediolanum, which can be translated as "settlement in the centre of the plain". In 222 BC, it was conquered by the Romans and became a vital strategic and trading point in northern Italy. The city's heyday occurred at the end of the 3rd century AD, when it briefly served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. It was here in 313 that Emperor Constantine issued the famous Edict of Milan, proclaiming religious freedom and marking the beginning of the empire's Christianisation.

Key Factors of Development

Milan owes its rise to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position in the Po Valley, at the intersection of trade routes leading from the Apennines to the Alpine passes, made it a natural centre for commerce.
• Political Power: Its status as a capital of the Roman Empire, and in the Middle Ages as the centre of the powerful Duchy of Milan under the rule of the Visconti and Sforza dynasties, ensured the city political influence and an influx of resources.
• Economic Might: By the 12th century, Milan was already one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, renowned for the production of weapons, armour, and woollen fabrics.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Milan evolved into an independent commune that actively fought for leadership in Lombardy. The city's economy flourished thanks to developed crafts and trade. Urban craft guilds were united into powerful corporations that influenced political life. The rule of the Visconti and Sforza families during the Renaissance marked a period of cultural blossoming. During this time, prominent figures of the arts were invited to Milan, including Leonardo da Vinci and the architect Donato Bramante, who left behind a rich cultural legacy, transforming the city into one of the centres of the Italian Renaissance.

Key Dates in Milan's History

• Around 600 BC — Founding of the city by the Celtic Insubres tribe, who named it Mediolanum.
• 222 BC — The city is conquered by the Romans, becoming an important strategic and trading hub of the Roman Republic.
• 286 AD — Milan is proclaimed the capital of the Western Roman Empire, significantly raising its political status.
• 313 AD — Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan, which proclaims religious tolerance and legalises Christianity within the empire.
• 1277 — The Visconti family comes to power, establishing a signoria (lordship) that would rule the city for nearly two centuries.
• 1386 — Construction begins on the majestic Milan Cathedral (Duomo), which became the city's main symbol.
• 1450 — The condottiero Francesco Sforza becomes Duke of Milan, founding the Sforza dynasty and initiating a golden age of the Renaissance for the city.
• 1482 — Leonardo da Vinci arrives at the court of Duke Lodovico Sforza, where he creates his famous masterpieces, including "The Last Supper".
• 1535 — The Duchy of Milan passes under the rule of the Spanish Habsburgs after the Sforza dynasty ends.
• 1714 — As a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, the city comes under the administration of the Austrian Habsburgs, marking the start of a new period in its history.
• 1805 — Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned King of Italy in the Milan Cathedral with the Iron Crown of Lombardy.
• 1859 — The city joins the Kingdom of Sardinia, becoming a decisive step towards the unification of Italy.
• Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries — Milan experiences rapid industrial growth, transforming into Italy's main economic and financial centre.
• 1980s — The city firmly establishes itself as one of the world's capitals of fashion and design, hosting prestigious fashion weeks.

The history of Milan is a journey from a humble Celtic settlement to one of the world capitals of fashion, design, and finance. The city has survived many eras, each leaving its unique mark on its architecture, culture, and economy. Here are several key stages that defined the modern look of Milan.

Major Milestones in the City's History

• Roman Mediolanum. Founded by Celts around 600 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans in 222 BC. From 286 to 402 AD, Milan even served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. It was here in 313 that Emperor Constantine issued the famous Edict of Milan, granting freedom of worship to Christians.
• Medieval Commune and Dynastic Rule. After the fall of Rome, the city experienced a decline but revived by the 11th century as an independent commune. From the 13th century, power shifted to the powerful Visconti and Sforza families, who ruled Milan for several centuries. This period saw the start of construction for the city's main symbols — the Duomo Cathedral and Sforza Castle.
• The Renaissance Era. Under the rule of the Sforza dukes in the 15th century, Milan turned into one of the brilliant centres of the Renaissance. Outstanding masters were invited to the city, including Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante, whose work enriched the cultural heritage and transformed Milan's architectural appearance.
• Foreign Domination. From the 16th to the mid-19th century, Milan was under the rule of Spain and then Austria. Despite losing political independence, the city remained an important economic and cultural hub. During the Austrian period, the famous La Scala opera house was built.
• Industrial Revolution and Italian Unification. In the 19th century, Milan became one of the driving forces of the Risorgimento — the movement for the unification of Italy. After joining the unified kingdom in 1859–1861, the city experienced rapid industrial growth, establishing itself as the country's financial and economic capital.
• Global Capital of Fashion and Design. In the second half of the 20th century, especially after World War II, Milan earned a reputation as one of the world's main fashion capitals. The city became home to leading fashion brands and the hub for Milan Fashion Week, which continues to set global trends today.

Milan's architectural landscape represents a unique blend of eras and styles, where every period has left its mark — from medieval relics to futuristic skyscrapers. A walk through the city allows one to trace its urban development, reflecting a rich history and a relentless drive for innovation.

Key Architectural Eras and Their Legacy:

• Romanesque Style and Gothic (4th–15th centuries): Early Christian basilicas, such as the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, laid the foundation for the Romanesque style in Lombardy. However, the city's main symbol became the majestic Milan Cathedral (Duomo), construction of which began in 1386. This masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic, with its countless spires and sculptures, was built over nearly six centuries and is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
• Renaissance (15th–16th centuries): The era of the Visconti and Sforza dynasties was marked by a cultural flourishing. Outstanding masters, including Donato Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci, were invited to the city. Iconic structures of this period include the austere and monumental Sforza Castle and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the refectory of which houses the famous "The Last Supper". The Milanese Renaissance is distinguished by greater restraint and austerity compared to the Florentine style.
• Neoclassicism (18th–19th centuries): Under the influence of Austrian Habsburg rule, Neoclassicism blossomed in Milan. This style, inspired by ancient harmony, gifted the city with elegant structures such as the world-renowned La Scala opera house (1778) and the monumental Arch of Peace.
• Art Nouveau and Rationalism (20th century): At the beginning of the 20th century, Milan established itself as Italy's industrial centre, which was reflected in its architecture. The grandiose Central Station (Stazione Centrale) was built in a mix of Art Deco and eclectic styles, alongside buildings in the Liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau). The post-war period brought modernism and rationalism, bright representatives of which became the Torre Velasca and the Pirelli Tower — symbols of the economic miracle and architectural innovation.
• Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th – 21st centuries): In recent decades, Milan's appearance has changed radically thanks to large-scale urban regeneration projects. New business districts, such as Porta Nuova and CityLife, have formed the city's modern skyline with futuristic skyscrapers by world-famous architects. Projects like the "Vertical Forest" (Bosco Verticale) demonstrate the city's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Notable Figures Associated with Milan

Over the centuries, Milan has been a centre of attraction for geniuses, creators, and innovators. Many of them were born here, while others spent their most productive years in the city, forever inscribing their names in its history.

• Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) — Bishop of Milan and one of the greatest Church Fathers. His activities and authority laid the foundations for Milan's spiritual and political influence during the late Roman Empire. He is revered as the city's patron saint.
• Lodovico Sforza (1452–1508) — Duke of Milan, nicknamed "Il Moro". His rule is considered the pinnacle of the Milanese Renaissance. Being a generous patron, he invited Leonardo da Vinci and other outstanding artists to his court, turning the city into one of Europe's brilliant cultural centres.
• Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) — A genius of the Renaissance who, although not a native of Milan, spent about 20 years in the city in the service of Lodovico Sforza. It was here that he created his immortal masterpieces, including the fresco "The Last Supper" in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and made an invaluable contribution to the development of science and engineering.
• Caravaggio (1571–1610) — One of the greatest masters of the Baroque era. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born in Milan and received his first painting lessons here in the workshop of Simone Peterzano, which shaped his revolutionary style featuring sharp contrasts of light and shadow.
• Alessandro Manzoni (1785–1873) — An outstanding writer and poet, a key figure of Italian Romanticism. His main work, the historical novel "The Betrothed", set in the surroundings of Milan, is recognised as a masterpiece of Italian literature. Manzoni lived most of his life in his house in Milan, which is now a museum.
• Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) — The great opera composer whose name is inextricably linked with Milan's La Scala theatre. The premieres of many of his operas, including "Nabucco", which brought him fame, took place on this stage. Verdi lived and died in Milan, leaving the city a vast musical legacy.
• Giorgio Armani (born 1934) — A world-famous fashion designer who founded his fashion house, Armani, in Milan in 1975. He played a key role in establishing the city as one of the world's fashion capitals, creating a recognisable style synonymous with elegance and impeccable taste.
• Gianni Versace (1946–1997) — A legendary couturier and founder of the Versace brand. In 1978, he opened his first boutique in Milan, and since then, his bold, luxurious, and innovative style has become a symbol of Italian fashion, strengthening the city's status as a hub of the fashion industry.