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Hello, World!

As any metropolis, Milan has many faces and can be many things at once. I don’t love all of them nor I could write about them all.

We should only write about what we know well and in depth and what we feel strongly about, whichever force, bad or good, the feeling is driven by.

Polyhedric, multifaceted, ever changing. Milan the fashion and design capital. Milan the financial centre of Italy. The hub of the country industry. The Milan of publishing and media. The Milan of the latest trends, il Salone del Mobile and Fashion Week, the Milan always projected into the future.

Milan is all these things and much more. Surprisingly, but maybe not so much, it often doesn’t come up high in the list of the Italian città d’arte. Time has sedimented its name for so many other things that maybe that part gets forgotten?. And for no good reason, I assure you. Or maybe there is another reason to that as well. I actually think there is ,and it’s actually a pretty obvious one.

Milan is a discreet lady who doesn’t boast about its beauty and richness. Forgive me the personification but, in Italian, cities, like any other noun, have genders and Milan in my ears is an upper class lady who is pretty confident about her means and prospects and really doesn’t need to impress. Yet impress she does, just for the effortless way she carries herself around, for her endless ability of attracting talented and skilful people, to inspire and motivate them to dare fearlessly, achieve more and dream farther.

This is my Milan. Gentry neighbourhoods of imposing town houses and impressive buildings. Solid marble and thick doors showcasing impressive handles and doorknobs, doorbells and name tags of illustrious and well established professionals and long time residents alike. Chic cafes and tea houses where cappuccinos and pastries are works of art and a lunch a quick but elegant affair. Boutiques’ vetrinas sparkling magic and unparalleled taste yet keeping the tone quiet because, if in Milan the city is busting with life, the style of her residents is always sober and elegant, the colours muted, the accessories minimal yet defining.

Inspiration is everywhere, every shop owner is an artist of their craft, every hairdresser a reserved confident and a skilled personal stylist, every bartender a charming wizard of aromatic drinks, brewed in seconds and presented in hot steaming cups at a crowded counter, with a magnetic smile and a “per lei” just to add that personal touch.

This Milan is perfect for a stroll or a bike ride. It requires dedication in discovering its many secrets and finding so much beauty in the details of the metal gates and fences, the hidden courtyards, the building decorations and the hanging balconies, the mosaic floors and the frescoed galleries.

And when you are tired of gently falling in love with this city, just stop by one of the many cafes for a mandatory aperitivo and then take a seat in one of its many amazing restaurants to enjoy any type of cuisine you might fancy for the day. A word of advice though, avoid the latest, trendiest places you read about in some online publication. They aren’t part of the heart of the city but just of her superficial side. Book a table at one of the many historic places Milan has to offer (you will find a short list of some of my favourites below) . Those where they still employ professional waiters and the decorations are classic Italian, where they present you a printed menu instead of an iPad and play soft music that allows for pleasant conversation. Those where food and service are on the menu instead of the latest interior decor extravaganza. Fall in love with the simplicity and beauty of Italian food and wine. Don’t forget to check out some special bakeries, delicatessen shops and gelaterie as well… La dolce vita might not be so Milanese and we can leave the prerogative to Romans but we have our own good dose of savoir vivre too.

Milan is my home town and a place of great connection for me. I could write about it for hours and spend months photographing it without feeling I have captured its multifaceted soul. We’ll leave it at this for now. Hopefully more will come soon. Particularly if you enjoyed this photo tour and the recommendations and tips to visit the authentic and timeless side of this city and are up for more. Can’t wait to know. Leave me a comment below.

ADDRESSES AFTER THE PHOTO JOURNAL

You might be also interested in a day out of Milan, visiting one of the most beautiful lakes surrounding the city. If so, check this day out on lake Como here.