All about Milan
One of the most famous cities in the world, Milan has a long and fascinating history. Welcoming millions of tourists every year, it is home to landmarks such as Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Opera House.
Known for being a centre of fashion, it boasts popular shops, restaurants and cafes - so there is plenty to see and do. But how well do you know Milan?
BBC Bitesize previously took a closer look at fascinating facts about Italy in general – but now we’re turning our attention to Milan specifically. Here, you can also test your knowledge of Milan in our IYKYK quiz below.
1. It boasts the tallest building in Italy
Milan is a city full of skyscrapers - but have you ever wondered which building is the tallest? Located in the city’s Porta Nuova district, you’ll find the UniCredit Tower bank headquarters which, including its spire, stands at 238 metres, which is 781 feet!
It is not only the tallest building in Milan, but also the tallest building in terms of architectural height in Italy. Construction started in 2009 and it officially opened in 2011.
2. The city has a bull that brings you luck
At the heart of Milan, you’ll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades that was completed in 1877. The beautiful building is home to luxury boutiques, restaurants and cafes – but inside, you’ll often spot crowds huddled around one particular section of the floor.
Every year, tourists from across the world surround the mosaic of a bull depicted on the ground. If you spin three times on your heel on top of it, it is said to bring good luck.
3. It is one of the fashion capitals of the world
Alongside New York, London and Paris, Milan is recognised as one of the 'Big Four' capitals of fashion. The undisputed fashion capital of Italy, the city is renowned for hosting Milan Fashion Week – twice a year since 1958 – as well as being home to several luxury brands.
The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) is Milan's luxury shopping district. In the city, you’ll find high-end luxury Italian fashion houses such as Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and more.
4. Its cathedral took almost six centuries to complete
An iconic centrepiece in Milan, the famous Duomo di Milano is located in the Piazza del Duomo and is not only the largest cathedral in Italy, but one of the largest in the world. The Gothic cathedral boasts many statues, spires and gargoyles and is so impressive that it’s no wonder that it took so long to be completed.
Construction on the grand place of worship began in 1386 but was not completed until 579 years later in 1965. It welcomes millions of tourists every year, many of whom venture up to its roof and terraces to see incredible panoramic views of Milan.
5. Milan's gargoyles are adopted
Speaking of the Duomo di Milano, did you know that its gargoyles are adopted? Yes - possibly the most random fascinating fact on our list - but it’s true.
In total, there are 135 gargoyles that decorate the stunning Gothic cathedral, alongside 135 spires and over 3400 statues, but an initiative saw them “put up for adoption” to raise money for needed renovations to the building. On the gargoyles are the names of the donors engraved.
6. The Last Supper resides there
One of the most famous paintings in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, depicts the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. More specifically, it depicts the moment Jesus announces one of his disciples will betray him, as told in the Gospel of John.
The artwork took several years to paint and was completed in 1498. Today, it remains in its original place, on the wall of a dining room of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
7. Leonardo da Vinci helped improve the city's canals
Today, Milan’s vibrant Navigli district in the city’s south-west corner is home to several cafes, bars, art galleries and more. But it has a fascinating history, dating back to 1177, and is part of one of the oldest canal systems in Europe.
Between the 12th and 17th centuries, the network of canals was developed for transport, irrigation and to connect the landlocked city to nearby rivers. During his time in the city, Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the development of the famous canal system.
8. Panettone originated there
Italy is famous for many things – including its incredible cuisine. There are so many loved meals and treats around the globe that hail from Italy, from various types of pasta dishes to pizza, tiramisu and more.
But which loved foods originate from Milan? Well, one of the most famous is panettone – a traditional sweet bread often synonymous with Italian Christmas celebrations.
9. It is home to two football teams
Like many major cities around the world, Milan is home to two famous and historic football teams. These teams are AC Milan, founded in 1899, and Inter Milan, founded in 1908.
Since 1947, the two clubs have shared the same stadium, the San Siro Stadium. In 2025, it was reported that the clubs had finalised the purchase of their stadium and confirmed plans to demolish and replace it.
10. Hosting the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics
More recently, another huge event has come to Milan – and of course we had to mention it! The 2026 editions of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics will take place in Italy across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This is an Olympic Games first, marking the first time two cities have co‑hosted the event. Welcoming visitors from across the world, almost 3,000 athletes from around 90 countries will compete.
