Milan...

Milan and Rome are the two biggest cities in Italy so making comparisons between these two would be a natural inclination. Other states with two main cities are doing the same like Brazilians do it with Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, Germans might do it with Berlin and Francfurt and so on.
For instance in Brasil thay say that Rio is the capital of natural beauty and also the best place for going out while Sao Paolo is the economic and industrial center. Even more to tell about this topic: In Brasil they often compare Rio de Janeiro to Rome and Sao Paulo to Milan, but doing so would truly be a disservice to both, as these two cities are immensely different. The comparison might be of course true concernoing many aspects, but please do not understand our comparison truly relevant regarding the habitants of the mentioned cities, because we would not like to raise perceptions through stereotypes. Rome is quite well known and we believe that a basic indication to imagine Milan would be easier for you if you imagine it compared to Rome. Now lets get to know better Milan, the economic and industrial centre of Italy!

Though both (Milan and Rome), began around the same time, in the 7th century BC, Milan doesn't have ancient ruins scattered about its contemporary city. It has been left in ruins at least three times in the last 1500 years. To its credit, however, Milan has always rebuilt itself stronger than it was before.
From its beginnings, Milan was destined to become a thriving community. Its location at the center of the Lombard plain placed it in the direct path of trade and communication between Central Europe and the Roman Empire. But it was also in the path of frequent frictions, virtually guaranteeing invasion and strife as a common occurrence.

The list of groups and countries that have invaded and occupied Milan is long and varied, from the Celtic tribe that founded it, to the ancient Romans who struggled for years to conquer it, to the Gauls, the Franks, the Christians, and the Austrians. Even fascist dictator Benito Mussolini took up residence there during World War II, which proved to be the last occupation that would devastate this unique and resourceful community.

Since 1944, Milan has struggled to recreate itself as a powerful force in the world economy. Though it has lost its position as the largest city in Italy to Rome, it has nevertheless become the most powerful city in the nation, leading the country in industry and commerce. Milan today is synonymous with high fashion and design, boasting many of today's finest houses, including Gucci, Armani, and Valentino.

But high fashion isn't the only thing Milan makes. Other top industries include textiles, chemicals, automobiles, advertising, and money. Italy's stock exchange is based in Milan.

With all the strife the city has endured, and all the progress it has made, one might think historical preservation would not be a priority. Not true. Almost as a testament to its resourcefulness, Milan has preserved as much of its history as could be found in the wake of devastating conflict - and true to its boundless spirit has done so with intelligence and integrity.

The churches of Sant' Ambrogio, Sant' Eustorgio and San Lorenzo Maggiore are prime examples of Romanesque architecture, and the Sforza Castle is both a 15th century Gothic fortress and one of Italy's most carefully planned museums. Milan's official museum, the Brera, houses many Medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, including Tintoretto's Finding of the Body of St. Mark, Mantegna's Dead Christ, Bellini's Piet, and Piero della Francesca's Madonna with Saints and Angels. And, of course, the Santa Maria delle Grazie church holds in its refectory Leonardo da Vinci's famous fresco of The Last Supper.

Milan is an amazing, fast-paced and industrious city that can overwhelm with its glamour, wealth, and productivity. And taking in even a fraction of its history, art and culture can become overpowering. If you find yourself getting a bit dizzy, go to just one more place, the Duomo. Get up on the roof of this breathtaking Gothic cathedral, and remember that Milan is located at the center of the Lombard plain. From this rooftop, you can see the entire countryside, with its lakes, hills and valleys, vineyards and groves and winding roads - all the way through central Europe to the Alps with their snow covered peaks.