The city is divided up into 20 districts. The central part is called Centro Storico, or The Historical Center, and boasts many stores by famous Italian fashion designers like Armani, Valentino, Ferragamo and Gucci, among many others.
The Corso Venezia is another Milanese district. It contains very old homes of well-off families, some of which are still used as residences today. One of the most beautiful parks in the city, the Porto Venezia, is in this area.
Milan is home to the second-largest cathedral in Italy, next to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It's the Santa Maria Nascente, also known as the Duomo di Milano, and it's located downtown. A range of architectural styles, including additions from the 17th to the 19th centuries, can be seen at this historical site.
Also located in downtown Milan is the famous Teatro alla Scala. Replacing the burned-out Teatro Ducale, the theater opened in 1778 and has since become a legendary venue for opera performances. It also hosts other cultural performances like plays and ballets throughout the year.
The Castello Sforzesco was originally built as a fortress in 1368 as a means to defend the city. Over the centuries it has gradually been enlarged and served both military and nonmilitary purposes. Currently, it is home to various art collections and other cultural institutions.
One of the noted museums in the city, the Pinacoteca di Brera, contains the "Madonna and Child," the famed painting by Giovanni Bellini.
