Walking around...

The Romans called the city Mediolanum and its strategic importance as the northern centre of Roman power in the peninsula guaranteed Milan’s long term future. You only have to go to the San Lorenzo area at Porta Ticinese to see the sixteen magnificent Roman columns standing in front to a statue of Constantine to be reminded of the Roman legacy. Later ruled first by the Visconti family followed by the Sforza dynasty, the Spanish and Austrians, Italy’s second largest city emerged in the early 20th century as the nation’s undisputed centre for business, commerce and banking

Milan stands without parallel as the guardian of taste but it is also Italy’s media centre, an academic powerhouse and a leader in elegant design and high technology. The city is the nation’s trendsetter whether in music or the creative arts but when it comes to fashion it is the whole world that looks to Milan as arbiter of grace and style. This international reputation ensures that every corner of the world knows of Versace, Gucci, Armani and all the other names that make up the empire of Milanese fashion, long a magnet for the best designers from all over the world. The sense of grace and beauty and attention to appearance transgresses all ages and classes and the chic elegance of the people and of the jewel like shops in the Quadrilatero d’Oro is one of the most lasting impressions of this great city.

Milan contains many of the finest jewels of Italian culture and staying at the Carlton, you are never far from them. Indeed you will find yourself only a short walk from the city’s heart, the Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, its vast exterior bristling with innumerable pinnacles and carved figures that appear to ascend into the azure heavens. Next door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its elegant shops, restaurants and cafes and at the other end lies the word famous La Scala opera house, now with a restored interior but still with the magic spot on the stage favoured by the legendary singer Maria Callas. Of course, you will also want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper” in the refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Just to walk around an Italian city is one of life’s pleasures and Milan offers several possibilities here. Apart from being at the heart of the great shopping streets, The Carlton is also a short walk from the Brera District where you will find the Pinacoteca and quiet streets full of bars and restaurants with outside tables giving it something of a Parisian flavour. For even more contrast, visit the area known as the Navigli, canals built to transport marble for the cathedral into the city. Here you will find a picturesque waterside area, especially along the Naviglio Pavese, lined with antique shops, clubs and places to eat and drink, a lively place on evenings and weekends.