Carreras to Perform in Milan

For the first time in 14 years, Spanish tenor José Carreras is to perform at Milan's La Scala, on 10 October. The event, a benefit concert to raise funds for cancer research, is taking place during a congress of the...

Milan to raise water tariffs from 2011

From 2011 Milan residents will pay on average €1 more per month for their water than they do at present under a new tariff structure approved by the city council in mid-July. The increased prices are needed to fund a...

Milan’s Brera academy and gallery transformation official

Milan’s Brera academy and gallery transformation official An official agreement has been reached for the relocation of parts of Milan’s historic Brera fine arts academy and the expansion of the gallery, bringing to an end years of controversy and protests. Under the...

Overland 13 from Milan to Shanghai

Four electrically powered vehicles without drivers have set off from the centre of Milan for Shanghai to reach the world trade fair before it closes on 28 October. The vehicles will be guided by automatic pilots powered by solar panels. ...

Reorganisation of Brera Gallery and Academy in Milan

After 35 years of waiting, Milan’s dream of having a great art gallery and a great art academy could be about to come true. Under an unofficial agreement signed by the special commissioner for Brera, Mario Resca, and the director...

Darsena wildlife sanctuary

While the Darsena, at the head of Milan’s canal system, has been waiting for development for years, other forms of city life have now swept in to make it their own. Italy’s bird watchers’ association, LIPU, has listed about 60...

Milan leads in new hotel concept

Milan has come up with a new concept in hotel living, called Permanent Hospitality Spaces (PHS). The old ideas of hotel design – from reception lobbies to numerous elevators leading to upper floors with bedrooms opening off long corridors –...

Milan extends Ecopass system

Milan’s Ecopass system has been extended to all Euro 4 diesel vehicles without an anti-particulate filter. Such vehicles now have to pay an Ecopass fee of €5 per day to enter the historic centre. Owners of such vehicles resident in the...

Lombardy switches to digital terrestrial TV

The digital terrestrial television era has started in Lombardy. For now the analogue signal has been switched off for just two channels, Rai 2 and Rete 4, but the region is expected to complete the changeover in September. Viewers who...

Jogging training in Milan parks

Milan city council and province in conjunction with the Lombardy region are offering a programme of free sports training in the city’s green areas to promote a jogging culture among residents. At weekends until November would-be joggers and running lovers...