Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Milan - Historical Background
Download the Schmap Milan Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Milan Home
Schmap Milan guide and map

Milan's history is a story of wealth, intrigue and conflict. Throughout its existence, Milan has known failure and incredible success and has faced both with a spirit and verve that makes this city one of the most famous in the world.

Early History

The first known inhabitants of Milan date back to the Bronze Age; the Gauls settled here in the 4th century B.C. and may have given the area the name place in the middle. The magnificent Romans conquered "Mediolanum" at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. and it became an autonomous province (Municipium) under the control of Rome. Its importance grew considerably during the Imperial Age. Thanks to its geographical position at the centre of the Padana Plain, merchants and travellers would stop here en-route to the north of the Italian Peninsula, and the city became an important military defence against the blood-thirsty Barbarians who attacked from northern Europe. Milan was significant enough to become an Imperial residence in the 3rd century A.D. and halfway through the 4th century it became the most powerful city in Europe, after Rome. Christianity spread rapidly in the city, and Milan became one of the most important centres of the Christian faith. Traces of the Roman Empire can be found in places such as Piazza Cordusio.

Rebirth

Although Milan became less important as the Roman Empire declined and suffered an invasion by the Longobards in the 4th century, its rebirth began with Carolingian rule in the 8th century A.D. and the city went from strength to strength. Milan became an autonomous city and an increase in trade helped enormously. As a result of Milan's wealth, importance and expansion, a new wall with six gateways was built and some of these gates are still visible today. The city acquired a canal system, which was destined for defensive and agricultural purposes. The birth of this Navigli (Canal) system still defines the city's physiognomy today.

Economic Boom

In the 15th century, power passed from the Visconti signoria to the Sforza signoria. The economy boomed, especially in terms of crafts, trade and agriculture. Architectural additions at this time include the Ospedale Maggiore (today the seat of the State University), the Lazzaretto (which holds the Rotonda della Besana and which is an open air cinema in the summer), and Castello Sforzesco, a listed building which exhibits works by Bramante and Filarete. Also of great historic importance is Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper,"(1498) a fresco at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Economic Decline

Prosperity can often bring jealousy and conflict; Milan found itself at the centre of continuous battles between France and the Austrian House of Hapsburg. The Sforza family came and went, and the city was finally reduced to a province under Spanish rule. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Black Death greatly reduced the population and threw the city into economic decline. The architectural highlight of this century was the construction of the Spanish Walls, which today surround Milan's historical centre.

18th Century Milan

At the beginning of the 18th century, control of the city passed from the Spanish to the House of Hapsburg. Milan began a new phase of expansion, characterized by fiscal and ecclesiastic reform, which culminated in exceptionally rich cultural activity around 1770. Milan fell under Napoleon Bonaparte's control, and the population boomed. It became the capital of the Cisalpine Republic and reaffirmed its cultural and economic importance. As part of Napoleon's architectural and urbanization plans the cerchia dei bastoni ring road was built around the historic centre. Other new roads were also built following Paris' system; these are still used today.

19th Century Milan

The Austrians again took control of Milan in the 19th century. Neither the educated middle classes nor the lower classes were happy about Austrian rule and in 1848 there was a popular insurrection, which ended with much bloodshed. The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861.

20th Century Milan

A great deal of the city centre dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when many areas were redesigned and rebuilt – the city is filled with Fascist "minimalist" houses in impressive tree-lined avenues; workers' houses and "dormitory districts", which were immense apartment blocks with no real shops or services nearby - these estates soon fell into disrepair.

Milan Today

Fortunately, Milan is being transformed from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan! Economic revival has made it a rich and interesting city. The "moral capital" of Italy is very different from all the artistic cities dotted around the country. It is the centre of economic activity in Italy; the country's Stock Exchange is based here. Milan's fame is also boosted by its role in the world of fashion, by the presence of many industries, its high-tech service sector, and its cultural innovation. Most of Italy's press are situated here. One of the major TV networks - the largest private network in Italy - has its headquarters at the gates of Milan.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Castle of the Sforzas


Former castle dating from the 14th century
Castello Sforzesco
Milan, Milan 20100
Italy
+39 2 8846 3700
http://www.milanocastello.it/i...
claudio.salsi@comune.milano.it
Built in 1368 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to defend the city from attack, the castle was enlarged by military architect Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian Galeazzo. Destroyed in 1447, it was rebuilt between 1450 and 1500 and enlarged under Francesco Sforza's rule. In 1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained its military function and, after successive transformations, eventually fell into ruin. Rebuilt in the late 1900s, from 1893 onwards the castle gradually became home to various cultural institutions and art collections and remains so today. Guided tours are available. Admission: Free, Admission to the Museum: EUR 3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Federico
Photo: Federico
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Paolo Villa - (paolo
Photo: Paolo Villa - (paolo
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Chelsea Keefer
Photo: Chelsea Keefer
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Eneko Ametzaga
Photo: Eneko Ametzaga
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Olivier Bruchez
Photo: Olivier Bruchez
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Jim Steel
Photo: Jim Steel
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Davide
Photo: Davide
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Jerzy Kociatkiewicz
Photo: Jerzy Kociatkiewicz
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Rodrigo Andara
Photo: Rodrigo Andara
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Helga G.
Photo: Helga G.
Castle of the Sforzas photo by esoriano2004
Photo: esoriano2004
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Eva Gatti
Photo: Eva Gatti
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Fabio Lopiano
Photo: Fabio Lopiano
Castle of the Sforzas photo by Eric Lopez
Photo: Eric Lopez
 

 
Ospedale Maggiore Cà Granda - State University


University HQ
3 Via Festa del Perdono
Università Statale
Milan, Milan 20122
Italy
Commissioned by Francesco Sforza in 1456 as a hospital institution for the people of the city, the building has been attributed to the Florentine architect Antonio Averlino Filarete. The central nucleus and part of the central courtyard dates to the 15th century, while the rest of the building was completed successively, in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is an extraordinarily early example of the application of functional principles in hospital architecture, while also representing one of the most significant episodes in the art and culture of 15th century Lombardy. Today it is the seat of the Università degli Studi.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ospedale Maggiore Cà Granda - State University photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Rotonda della Besana


Peculiar enclosure and church
12 Via Besana
Milan, Milan 20122
Italy
+39 2 545 5047
This was founded in the early 19th Century as a cemetery for the hospital named Ospedale Maggiore or Ca' Granda. The unusual building consists of a perimeter wall with, at the center, a church, now no longer used for religious functions, dedicated to Saint Michael, with plan in the form of a Greek cross. In 1725 another wall was built, creating a plan including large lobate structures. In 1870 a smallpox epidemic broke out and 5,000 people with the disease were isolated here. In 1940, it became a wash-house for the hospital. Today it is an open-air garden, a play area for children, while in summer it is used for open-air cinema projections: the ex-church is used for temporary shows and congresses.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rotonda della Besana photo by Amodiovalerio Verde
Photo: Amodiovalerio Verde
Rotonda della Besana photo by LukeFill
Photo: LukeFill
Rotonda della Besana photo by Rhys Ernst
Photo: Rhys Ernst
 

 
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper)


Bramante and Leonardo in Milan (Last Supper)
2 Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie
Milan 20123
Italy
Commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte Solari, this building was intended as a mausoleum for the Sforzesco dynasty, in which the remains of the duke and his wife, Beatrice d'Este, as well as others connected with the family, were to be laid to rest. The adjoining Dominican convent's cloister and sacristy were later renovated by Bramante. The refectory walls are home to Leonardo da Vinci's(1452-1519) Last Supper. Bramante's façade is of particular interest as is the gallery's terracotta ornamentation, which became one of the dominant motifs in northern Italian Renaissance architecture. Guests must book in advance. Admission: EUR 8 (with reservation).

Review © 2007, Wcities
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Tyler Palmer
Photo: Tyler Palmer
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Brian Vargas
Photo: Brian Vargas
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Christopher
Photo: Christopher
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Liblee
Photo: Liblee
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Steven Tham
Photo: Steven Tham
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Stella McLoughlin
Photo: Stella McLoughlin
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Matthew Ausderan
Photo: Matthew Ausderan
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Ashley Ward
Photo: Ashley Ward
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Ricardo Pastor
Photo: Ricardo Pastor
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Luis Corrales Vasco
Photo: Luis Corrales Vasco
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Maria Fernanda Ángel
Photo: Maria Fernanda Ángel
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by David Owens
Photo: David Owens
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Stephanie et Bruno
Photo: Stephanie et Bruno
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Laura &  Linda
Photo: Laura & Linda
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by baldeaglebluff
Photo: baldeaglebluff
S. Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) photo by Benard Stafford
Photo: Benard Stafford
 

 
The Roman Gate and the Spanish Walls


Mixture of Italy and Spain
Piazza Medaglie d'Oro
Milan, Milan 20122
Italy
Planned by Ferrante Gonzaga on behalf of the Spanish crown, the second circuit of city walls was begun in 1549 and completed in 1560. With respect to the Medieval walls, the new fortifications enclosed the new districts that had grown up around the radial streets. This basically military structure, one of the most powerful in Europe, consisted of massive curtain walls and fortified towers, while little emphasis was placed on ornamentation. One of the finest parts of the walls is the Porta Romana, designed by Aurelio Trezzi, in which the traditional form of the city gate is given a sober decorative treatment. From the 18th century, the walls began to be converted for uses differing to that of defense, and in the 19th century they were finally demolished to make room for new districts of bourgeois residential architecture.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Roman Gate and the Spanish Walls photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Milan - Historical Background"
Milan
Milan - Neighborhood Guide
Milan - Where to Stay
Milan - Dining & Drinking
Milan - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Genoa (123 miles)
Turin (128 miles)
Verona (142 miles)
Bologna (203 miles)
Venice (235 miles)
Florence (241 miles)
Nice (252 miles)
Cannes (271 miles)
Lyon (339 miles)
Munich (340 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.