Fashion, finance, football and Formula One are perhaps the things the first spring to mind when you consider Milan. These are certainly themes that characterise the modern image of the Lombardy capital, but they perhaps hide another side of Milan that doesn’t feature on the shiny brochures, or even in the everyday life of the busy Milanese.

Whereas Rome is the Eternal City, with its ancient and mythologized past, and Venice and Florence epitomise medieval expansionism and the Renaissance, Milan is at once both a historic and a sophisticated modern city. Perhaps noted for an attention to style at the expense of substance, in actual fact Milan has a rich and chequered past. With its location at one of Europe’s crossroads, Milan has been greatly shaped by the events of the continent over the last 2500 years - the most European of Italian cities, it would be fair to say the history of Milan is in many ways the history of Europe...

Elegance and sophistication are synonymous with Milan. Stylish and well-organised, the industrial capital of Italy functions efficiently and the Milanese are proud of their city's status as the country's economic engine and design capital of the world...

The Festa di Sant'Ambrogio is the biggest celebration in Milan and is held on the 7th of December. Festivities are centred around the Fiera di Milano, the city's exhibition centre in the north-west. La Scala also marks this important date by beginning its opera season on this day...

The Duomo (cathedral) is Milan's main attraction. It is a striking and memorable sight, 135 spires and 3200 statues populate the roof and marble facade of this magnificent cathedral...

Being a cosmopolitan city gives Milan's food an exotic edge these days but its traditional cuisine is all about comfort food. These recipes are simple, nutritious and completely delicious. Rustle them up for guests or simply treat yourself!...

International competition between the major airlines means that it is now possible to find cheap flights to Milan. Europeans can also arrive in Italy overland, however low-fare airlines now offer extremely cost efficient means which are hard to beat...