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.
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One of the city’s finest historic residences, Grand Hotel et de Milan is housed in a 19th century mansion and has been owned by the Bertazzoni family for three generations. Giuseppe Verdi lived here for many years and Maria Callas was another celebrated guest.
This charming, privately-owned, boutique hotel offers classic style and friendly service on via Santo Spirito, between via Montenapoleone and via della Spiga. Despite being in the heart of Milan’s most fashionable shopping district, the Manzoni offers quiet respite in homely surroundings.
Architect and owner Paola Giambelli created this beautiful property in collaboration with legendary designer Pierre Yves-Rochon, inspired by the elegant palace-hotels of Paris and the distinctive Milanese Neo-Classical style.
This former 15th century monastery has been converted into a stylish hotel that entirely complements the fashionable location; on the exclusive Via Gesù close to all those expensive designer shops and in the heart of the city’s most historic quarter.
Located just 100 metres from Milan’s Centrale station, the Echo is a convenient stopover for clients travelling by rail, or for those who those interested in contemporary design.
This stylish hotel is ideally located overlooking Piazza Fontana, a short walk from the Duomo, Via Montenapoleone and La Scala. A member of Starhotels who own Kirker favourites the Splendid in Venice and the Savoia Excelsior in Trieste, it is decorated in contemporary style reflecting Milan’s fashion roots and has three contrasting restaurants and a wellness centre.
La Scala, Milan is, for most opera lovers, the world’s most revered and important opera house. The theatre opened in 1778 with a performance of an opera by Salieri and since then many of the greatest Italian operas have received their first performance on its hallowed stage.
From 'risotto' and 'parmigiano' to 'tiramisù' and 'cappuccino', the Italian
language has become a culinary 'lingua franca' synonymous with some of our favourite dishes. Designed for those with a curiosity about Italian which extends beyond the menu, our new holiday combines the best of Milanese cuisine with informal conversation classes.
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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