Indisputably the capital of northern Italy (Milanese would sniffily dismiss Rome and say their home is the real capital of the country) Milan has many claims to fame and power. Sporting fans know it as the home of AC Milan and Internazionale (Inter Milan), two of the most successful European soccer teams of the last half century, and with a glamour that only the Italians can bring to football.
Businesses based in Milan include Pirelli, Alfa Romeo and Silvio Berlusconi's giant Mediaset, among many more. But it's as a fashion centre that many people know Milan. The city is also home to Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Versace. And as well as fashion houses, it has some of the most chic, exclusive and expensive fashion stores on the planet.
Miraculously, despite terrible bombing during the Second World War, Milan also has real architectural riches. The Duomo is the world's largest Gothic cathedral, and the city has superb churches, including San Nazaro and Santa Maria delle Grazie. A lovely Renaissance church in Milan built by Guiniforte Solari between 1466 and 1490 it's more famous as the home of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. An endless procession of small groups crowd in to view the masterpiece and compare notes with their copy of The Da Vinci Code.
The city has fabulous museums and galleries such as the Museo Egizio, the Museo d'Arte Antica and the Museo Teatro alla Scala. And it is a seat of culture as well as commerce. This after all is the home of La Scala, one of the world's most famed and loved opera houses.
To the left you'll find a selection of Milan hotels, just to whet your appetite.
See also Milan hotels (full listings) and our Milan hotel map.
