Wanderlust Ice & Ink — Travel: Milan, Five Historical Facts Behind Italy’s Fashion Capital

Before becoming one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan was already a city shaped by empires, artists, and powerful dynasties. From the Roman city of Mediolanum to the Renaissance courts of the Sforza, its streets reveal layers of history that still influence its architecture today. While attending the Milan–Cortina Olympic Games and watching the figure skating events in the arena, I also had the chance to explore the city beyond the competition. Walking through Milan means moving between centuries, where Gothic cathedrals, neoclassical monuments, and modern design coexist. Here are five historical facts that help understand how Milan became the city we see today.