Milan and Lombardy, European workshop

Milan is always on the move. Nice, wide open, frenzied with activism, it is the richest and most European city of Italy. Lombardy produces itself over one quarter of Italy’s GDP. Milan moreover, counting 1,303,000 inhabitants ( > 7,000,000 if we consider the entire Metropolitan Area of Milan), is well aware of many of its records: among banking finance, stock market businesses, fashion and stylists, prosperous publishing, traditional cabarets, first nights at the Scala, the “Corrierone” that, rather than a newspaper, is an institution. And much more, from the misty charm of the Navigli to the treasures of Brera, of Poldi Pezzoli and of the Cenacolo by Leonardo. And “that sky of Lombardy, so amazing when it’s amazing”, that is, when the wind blows the smog away, is fascinating everyone.

The economy of the region includes industry, farming and tertiary, with small and medium family-based enterprises, as well as big industrial and financial holding companies which are busy with every trade: chemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical, textile. Facilities sector is especially active: finance, professions, tourism.

The whole region in short takes part in the productivity and resources of the Val Padana. There you may find Bergamo: split into two, the lower and modern part, next to the upper part, which is wonderfully enriched with art and architecture. Brescia, the “Lioness” of Italy, according to Carducci in the Reinassance. Como, a touristic, textile and trade center, who gave birth to Plinius. Cremona, the city of Tognazzi and Mina, an elegant core for Romanesque-Medieval architecture. As well as the “City of the 3 T”: Torrone, Torrazzo, Tettone. And then Lecco, on the lakeside, abounding of eight-hundred cultural agitations (the Scapigliatura). Lodi, founded in 1158 by Barbarossa. Mantova, the city of Virgilio, of the Gonzaga and of Mantegna’s frescos (Camera degli Sposi). At last Monza, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese. Every city takes part, each with its natural and artistic wonders, in the same wealthy and industrious climate.