Milan: Six Interesting Facts You Should Know

• Milan, founded in 600 BC, is the second largest city in Italy and fashion capital.
• The Milan Cathedral is the third-largest Catholic church in Europe, built over 579 years.
• Milan boasts a vast tram network and is famous for its evening aperitivo culture.

Learn some unusual facts about the beautiful city.

Milan, or Milano, in Italy is the capital of Lombardy. Touted as the world’s fashion capital, the city

is the second biggest in the country after Rome. However, there are certain facts that you might not know about Milan like it has one of the biggest churches in the world or Milan was the capital of the Western Roman Empire at one time. So here we are to tell you some interesting facts about the beautiful city:

1. The city was founded more than 2,500 years ago, in 600 BC, by a Celtic tribe from Gaul, the Insubres. Milan was originally named Mediolanon.
2. You all might be aware of the Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano, which is a massive church located in Piazza del Duomo. But let us tell you that it is also the third-largest catholic church in Europe. The interior size of it is 11,700 square meters, and it is only after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the Seville Cathedral in Spain, as per the size. Its construction began in 1386, and after 579 years, it was wrapped up in 1965.
3. If you have visited Milan, you must have seen the Piazza del Duomo, which houses the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II. But like every European city, pigeons are a challenge, and they often damage statues and buildings. However, this particular statue always stays clean due to a small electric current in it which keeps pigeons at bay.
4. Interestingly, Milan has the highest concentration of skyscrapers in Italy. In fact, the Torre Unicredit and Allianz Tower of Milan are among the two highest buildings in Italy.
5. In the 14th century, the Black Death, or the plague, spread throughout Europe and killed millions. However, to everyone’s surprise, the disease which reached Italy in Venice and Genoa, spared Milan and the city only saw a minor outbreak.
6. If you are visiting Milan, you will see the tram system way more developed than other cities across the globe. Boasting of 17 lines and extending over 181 km, it is one of the biggest tram networks in the world.
7. Last but not least, you must go out in Milan from 7 PM to 9 PM as it is time for aperitivoin the city. During this time, the bars and cafes go all out and about with huge spreads of food and visitors can enjoy it for free after buying a drink. It is the best time for snacking and discussions with friends.