Excursion to Milan from Rimini

Virtually all the conquerors in European history – Gauls, Romans, Goths, Lombards and Franks, as well as rulers from France, Spain and Austria, have at one time taken part in the governance of Milan. After being conquered by the Goths and the Great Roman Empire, Milan became one of the first independent city-states. His period of self-government was quite short. From 1277 to 1500 Milan was ruled first by the Visconti family and then by the Sforza family. These dynasties were famous for their aristocratic pursuit of the sublime and refined, and at the same time for their cruelty. Many of the surviving works of Gothic and Renaissance architecture were created under their direction. Milan is a paradise on Earth, with a rich culture strengthened by deep national traditions.