Milan is the capital of Lombardy region and hosts several prestigious research centres, universities, important business centres, financial institutions and also possesses a unique mix of cultural landmarks. The city is connected to 170 destinations all over the world by three international airports (Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio) and railways.

The city was founded around 400 B.C by Celtic people (The Insubri) and the name Mediolanum, which means "central place", was later given by the Romans. The city centre is relatively small, full of cobbled streets, fashion boutiques, monuments and business centres. Four subway lines plus an interconnecting underground railway (Passante Ferroviario) and an extensive network of buses and trams facilitate moving around the different areas of the city.

The Duomo, with its massive white pinkish marble structure, is considered the symbol of Milan. It was founded in 1386 and took almost 5 centuries to be completed.

On a side of Duomo square lies the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a covered double arcade built in 1863 which connects Duomo square to the La Scala square. The Galleria is nicknamed "il salotto di Milano", or Milan's drawing room, due to the number of shops and restaurants.

Il Teatro "La Scala", the premier opera house in Italy, is probably Milan's best known landmark, built in 1776 in Neoclassical style. Recently a stage tower was added by the Swiss architect Mario Botta.

Not far from Duomo square, the Castello Sforzesco can be found. This huge fortified complex, perhaps one of the most famous renaissance monuments, houses city museums and connects through its courtyard the central core of the city to one of the largest parks in the centre, the Sempione park.

Important paintings can be found in the many art museums in Milan, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and Poldi Pezzoli museum, but perhaps the most famous is The Last Supper fresco (Cenacolo Vinciano) by Leonardo Da Vinci, on the side of Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

The Navigli canals, where the port was located until the 19th century, are located in the south part of the city. The Navigli area is nowadays full of pubs and restaurants and is among the most famous nightlife district in town. Additionally, a number of gorgeous sites, such as the Como, Maggiore and Garda lakes, are only one hour drive away.

READ MORE ABOUT MILAN AND SURROUNDINGS

Additional links:

• City information
• Milan Tourism
• Lakes around Milan

Venice, Italy

The city of Venice, situated in the north-east part of the country, is one of the most famous and attractive city in Italy.

The cultural background as well as its wonderful buildings and monuments attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world.

Thanks to its proximity to Milan, Venice is probably one of the most suggested place to visit for all the participants and accompanying persons.

For more information about the city:
www.turismovenezia.it

Venice is easily reachable from Milan by train (~ 2 hour and 30 minutes):
www.trenitalia.com

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