Milan

Milan - the capital of Lombardy - is the second city after Rome, Italy on the number of residents. It is home to about two million people. Almost all the roads of northern Italy are in Milan. Here - There are two airports (Linate and Malpensa), and major railway junction, which has significance not only for Italy but for the whole of Europe. Milan - is one of the oldest cities in Italy, founded in the late V century BC Celtic tribe insubrov. In the III century BC it was conquered by the Romans, who gave him the name "Mediolanum", that is, a town situated between the lands. Later the word was transformed into a modern Milan. As an important strategic and trading center, for a long time the city was subjected to raids of the barbarians. This happened even before the conquest of Milan Lombards. In 1152 during the invasion Barborossy city was razed to the ground. After the restoration of the rules Signora Visconti and Sforza dukes, in 1395 it became the capital of the duchy. In the future, Milan have repeatedly found himself at the mercy of foreign countries - Spain, France and Austria for as long as Napoleon did it the capital of the Republic of transalpine, and then - the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. After that, the period of Austrian rule. In the years 1815-1859 Milan was the center of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom, and in In 1860 the city became part of a united Italy. Since ancient times Milan have been trade, crafts and Banking (hence occurs, for example, the famous "pawn"). Extremely attractive to professionals and the famous Milan "Fiera" - the annual demonstration in Milan industries - from cars and furniture to fashion and interiors. Impressions of high fashion, regularly held in Milan, has become the event of global importance, they are celebrities come from all over the world. Although Paris is considered a trendsetter, it is all "sewn and cut out on the outskirts of Milan in northern Italy. Milan - is also an important cultural center of the country. Here are all the biggest publishing houses, two universities, many institutions, the Academy of Arts, Academy of Sciences, Conservatory, museums, libraries and theaters. It was in Milan is world famous Theater "La Scala» strong> - the main opera house in Italy. From the famous drama "Piccolo Teatro".