Though Milan is famous as a fashion capital of the world, those who have found a luxury villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan itself, and who are looking to bring a little bit of Italian style home with them, might not know exactly where to head for the best shopping experiences in the city. We have previously put together a guide to some of the city’s most beloved and best vintage boutiques and stores but for those in the market for an upmarket purchase to remember their trip by, an investment piece to indulge in on a special occasion, a little taste of the designer lifestyle, or simply some excellent window-shopping and people-watching, then a visit to the main shopping street of Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, is a must. The third most expensive street in Europe and home to stores for Gucci, Moncler, Roger Vivier, Bulgari, Versace, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Saint Laurent, Rolex, Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Tod’s, Fendi, and many more luxury brands, it is an upscale shopping street that will make fashion-lovers googly-eyed with excitement. So, whether you have the budget to directly shop in this neighbourhood yourself or you simply want to see how the fashionable set of Milan live and dress with your own eyes, be sure to take a wee stroll in this gilded part of the city...
Located in the centre of the city, in the fashion district known as the Quadrilatero della moda of Milan, the Via Monte Napoleone can be traced right back to the city’s Roman roots and the city walls that were erected by Emperor Maximian. It did not take on its contemporary purpose or look until much, much later, of course. The name of the street also comes from a later period, when a financial institution called the Monte Camerale di Santa Teresa was opened in Palazzo Marliani on the road in order to manage public debt in 1783. By 1786, the street had been named after the Monte, though it was closed ten years later. Then, in 1804, it was reopened while Milan was the capital of the Napoleonic Italian Republic, as the Monte Napoleone, and the full name of the street was born. In the 19th century, the street was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style and several palaces for the aristocracy were constructed including the Palazzo Melzi di Cusano, the Palazzo Gavazzi, the Casa Carcassola Grandi, and the Palazzetto Taverna. The aforementioned Palazzo Marliani was one of the few houses and one of the finest examples to survive from the Sforza era. Unfortunately, it was then destroyed during an Allied bombing campaign in 1943. It was after WWII that Via Monte Napoleone then became a leading shopping street to compete with the likes of Paris' Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Rome's Via Condotti, London's Bond Street and Oxford Street, Los Angeles' Rodeo Drive, and New York's Fifth Avenue. In addition to the luxury stores that are part of international fashion brands known all over the world, the street is a hub for impeccably made Italian brands and footwear labels, in particular. So, those who are on vacation in Italy and want to really invest in a stunning pair of shoes that will last for years, this is the place to do it.
If you have found a holiday rental in Lombardy and are exploring the Via Monte Napoleone while in Milan, however, it is not just about shopping and fashion. The street is also home to some unique delicatessens, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops that are worth popping into for a stylish snack and refuel while you wander about. A visit to Caffè Cova, for example, is a great idea. This gem is steeped in local tradition and culinary heritage. Founded in 1817, it is one of the oldest cafés and confectioners in the city and was moved from its original premises next to the Teatro alla Scala to Via Monte Napoleone in 1950. For truly incredible Milanese cakes and desserts, it is a must, and for those who aren’t interested in fashion at all but who have a sweet tooth, it is reason enough to make your way to Via Monte Napoleone during your holiday in Milan.
Furthermore, the street is also steeped in local culture and history that gives a little taste of what life in this part of Milan has been like throughout the ages. Those paying attention while walking down the street will find that many buildings along its length have plaques attached to their façades, alerting those passing by to their famous former residents, such as the poet Carlo Porta and world-renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi. The street was also once known as the Quartier Riverissi, which referred to the tendency of Milanese gentlemen to tip their hats as a gesture of respect to the sciure, or ladies of the area. Finally, Via Monte Napoleone is also famously the only one-way street in the city that you drive into from the centre and exit from both ends and is where King Vittorio Emanuele inaugurated the first premises of the Italian Automobile Club in 1901. These factors, and the type of clientele attracted by the stores in the area mean that the road is a bit of a hotspot for impressive sports cars; leaving those less interested in the things worn by people living in the fast lane and more interested in what they are driving with their own kind of window-shopping and entertainment to enjoy as well. Yet more reasons to seek the area out while on vacation in Lombardy.
So, if you love beautiful things, impeccable stores and careful window displays, shopping in plush environments, elegant cakes and coffee enjoyed while out for the day, and generally the finer things in life, then be sure to explore Via Monte Napoleone if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are spending a day in the city or if you are enjoying time in a holiday rental in Milan itself.
Photo credits
Picture 1: FlavMi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Bahar101 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: FlavMi / CC BY-SA 3.0