Milan

City

Overview

The mighty city of Milan, population two million and rising, is for many the region’s spiritual centre. The official capital of Italy may be Rome, but any Italian will tell you that all the really serious decisions that affect the everyday lives of ordinary citizens are taken in Milan: what will be the fashionable colour this year? Which way will hemlines go? Some even hold that this bustling metropolis is the ‘secret capital’ (‘la capitale morale’) of all Italy. All the big corporations and banks are based here and the people who live in the city love to spend their hard-earned cash. No wonder, then, that there are so many excellent designer shops, elegant boutiques and bustling markets, and that the restaurants and cafés are among the best in Europe. The Duomo is a Gothic marvel of white marble adorned with belfries, gables and statues; La Scala is the world’s most revered and important opera house and there are many fine museums. The Kirker Concierge can obtain tickets to the Pinacoteca di Brera, a 17th century palace displaying the country’s greatest art collection, and also to Leonardo’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper’ which is housed in the Dominican convent adjoining the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visitors will find a city that is exciting, colourful and vibrant – ideal in combination with a relaxing holiday on one of the lakes, or perfect for a weekend break.

Recommended by the Kirker Concierge

Exhibition

20 September 2025 - 11 January 2026

Palazzo Reale

Leonora Carrington

The first exhibition in Italy to be dedicated to the work of Leonora Carrington will emphasise Carrington's lifelong relationship with the country, starting with her discovery of Italian art in Florence as a teenager and exploring her post-Victorian and Celtic origins as well as Surrealism.

Kirker Holidays

Speak to an expert - 020 7593 2288

Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

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