Running in Milan: the fashion capital of the world
- audreyubertino
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
Before becoming the city of design and fashion and positioning itself as one of Italy's top tourist destinations, Milan embraced many identities. Founded in 590 BC by the Celtic tribe of the Insubres, Medialanum became, in turn, the capital of the Western Roman Empire, a stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire, and the centre of the Italian Resistance. Running through the Lombard capital will immerse you in the different chapters of its history.
‘A trip to Lombardy means "Milan" of happiness’.
Milan's name, in French, sounds like "a thousand years"... With this play on words, Belgian author Gaëtan Faucer invites us with humour to discover the capital of Lombardy and its rich past.
Located in northern Italy, in the Po Valley, Milan was, according to legend, founded by two Etruscan commanders. Unless it was the Celtic tribe of the Insubres or the Gallic Bituriges who were responsible for its origins...
In 222 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans before becoming one of the most important centres of Christianity. It became the capital of a duchy during the Middle Ages, ruled primarily by the Visconti family. Their name still appears on the ramparts of the Sforza Castle, a 15th-century fortress located in the city centre. Over the centuries, the duchy passed into the hands of the great powers of the time: France, Spain and Austria.
In the mid-19th century, the political unification of Italy marked the beginning of the city's industrial dominance over the north of the country. Major railway construction work was undertaken, and the region's stone quarries were exploited. Home to the country's most influential banks, it became Italy's leading financial centre. Today, it is also the seat of the Italian Stock Exchange.
After the damage caused by the Second World War, Milan underwent a major architectural transformation, characterised by the construction of numerous skyscrapers and other large-scale buildings. Examples include the Città della Moda and the Pirelli Tower, built near the central station. The modernity of these new neighbourhoods coexists with an older heritage of palaces, squares and museums. This is a delight for the eyes of the 2 million tourists who visit the city each year.
An exceptional heritage
In 2015, Milan was chosen as the host city for the historic World Expo. This is certainly not unrelated to the prestige of its cultural heritage.
One of Milan's most famous monuments is undoubtedly its opera house: La Scala. Located in the heart of the city, the theatre is a true emblem and was the location for the creation of some of the world's most renowned operas, such as Bellini's Norma. In Piazza del Duomo, the imposing cathedral with its 136 decorative spires is sure to impress lovers of Gothic art. As you walk through it, you can also admire a statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy after its unification. Opposite the cathedral, the Royal Palace of Milan was the residence of the House of Savoy before being used as an exhibition centre.
Not far away, Piazza Mercanti offers an equally impressive view. The former centre of medieval times, the square is surrounded by four palaces, including Palazzo della Regione, a building constructed in the 13th century that served as the seat of justice. Opposite stands Loggia degli Osii, a 14th-century building constructed for Mathieu I Visconti.
The Fashion Capital
Milan is undoubtedly the capital of design and haute couture. Four legendary streets in the city, including Via Montenapoleone, are home to the biggest luxury brands from Italy and around the world, from Prada to Gucci to Levi's. Together, they form the Fashion Quadrilateral.
Since 1958, the Lombard capital has hosted Fashion Week twice a year. It's a time for spectacle, stunning outfits and celebrities.
The rest of the year, Milan continues to be talked about in terms of style: renowned fashion schools, the National Chamber of Fashion, a district dedicated to Milanese haute couture...
Finally, the Vittorio Emmanuele shopping arcade will dazzle more than a few visitors! With its neo-classical style and baroque influences, this historic shopping centre is nicknamed ‘Milan's living room’. It stands out for its magnificent glass roof designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, as well as its gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques.
The European capital of sport
In a completely different field, Milan is also a benchmark: football. Two clubs compete for the city: AC Milan and Inter Milan. After each winning the Champions League several times, they also both emerged victorious from the Club World Cup. This made Milan the most successful city in terms of clubs, alongside Madrid.
It is at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, known as San Siro, that the athletes compete in their matches. The most intense matches, the Derby della Madonnina, see the two clubs face off, with their supporters showing mutual respect, of course!
Milan is no slouch when it comes to cycling either. After hosting the Road Cycling World Championships in 1926, it was also the starting point for the Milan-San Remo race and the venue for the final stage of the Tour of Italy.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS from Piazza del Duomo to San Siro Stadium!
Find routes around Milan and over 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.
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Running in Milan combines fitness with style, offering a unique way to experience the city’s vibrant energy and world-renowned fashion scene. The streets become a runway for both athletes and fashion lovers alike. For a daring, statement-making outfit, the Joker purple suit brings bold, iconic flair and theatrical charm to any wardrobe!
Milan’s energy is truly unmatched, where fashion, history, and elegance meet at every corner. Exploring its streets feels like walking through time, much like admiring Ulysse Nardin antique watches, timeless and full of character.