From the rooftop of the Duomo, you can see the graceful porticoes and ornate friezes of medieval Milan fade into the sharp lines and angles of the modern city. It's a clear reminder that Milan isn't just a relic from the past. It's a bustling, forward-looking city whose fashion sense and robust economy drive northern Italy -- if not the entire country. Milan has grown throughout its 2,700 year history of trade, conquest, occupation and conflict to become the Italian city with the most international outlook. It leads the country as economic capital, and it leads the world in certain fields such as fashion and design, but the brilliance of its private enterprise contrasts with the inefficiency of its public institutions (a problem common to all Italy and not just to Milan). Milan is certainly the most European of Italian cities. Nonetheless, almost everything closes down during the month of August. It has a good public tour, the heart of the city is full of historical monuments and interesting museums. The starting point for visiting the city is Piazza del Duomo leading to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Centre of political and social life where the Milanese love to meet for lively discussions or to read their local newspaper, the corrierre della sera. La Scala, built in the 18C, puts on a prestigious opera season wich opens in December, while the equally famous Piccolo Teatro also offers an interesting cultural programme. Often called the least Italian of the country's cities, Milan doesn't draw the tourists that tend to overrun Rome, Florence and Venice. But once you've strolled its narrow downtown streets and visited its spacious suburban parks, we think you'll find its blend of old and new quite appealing. Yes, it's a big-business city, with hundreds of banks and corporate offices. But it also has plenty of attractions -- including its many-spired cathedral, a world-renowned opera house and dozens of smart designer boutiques -- to keep you busy for a few days, if not a full week.

As symbol of Christianity and centre of influence for artistic movements, Rome, the capital of Italy since 1870, offers many pleasant surprises to art lovers and visitors fascinated by this country. At least three days are needed to visit the city. The origin of Rome lies in mythology; the twins Romulus and Remus, born of a union between the god Mars and a Vestal Virgin, were thrown into the Tiber and landed on the banks below the Palatine where they were nourished by a she-wolf. Romulus later drew a furrow around this spot where the city was to be built.Rome subsequently became a republic but it was eventually split by political rivalries. Julius (101-44 BC) emerged as leader, overthrew his adversaries and conquered Gaul in 51 BC. He was nominated consul and dictator for life but was murdered in March 44 BC. He was succeeded by his great-nephew Octavian to whom the Senate granted the title Augustus. He became the first Roman emperor and extended Rome's domination throughout the Mediterranean basin. After his death, he was followed by a long line of emperors. Some of his successors, particularly Caligula, Nero and Domitian, were notorious for their acts of folly and cruelty, while others like Vespasian, Titus, Trajan and Hadrian made great contributions to civilisation.Christianity became organised at the end of the 1 C, but it was not until the Edict of Milan in 313 that there was freedom of worship and that churches could be built. The popes shaped Rome into the Eternal City. During the Renaissance, many erudite sovereign pontiffs were patrons of the arts and attracted to their court the greatest artists of that period such as Raphael and Michelangelo. Among the patrons were Sixtus IV, who commissioned the Sistine Chapel, Julius II, Leo X, Sixtus V, a great builder, and Paul III, who was responsible for the Farnese Palace.The best views of this great city, which sprawls over seven hills, are from the belvederes of the Janiculum (Gianicolo, Aventine or Pincio. Luxury shops are clustered around piazza del Popolo, via del Corso and piazza di Spagna. The via Veneto is lined with plush hotels and cafe terraces, a favourite meeting place of tourists from all dealers. Buses are convenient for getting around (tickets can be bought from tobacconists) but the best way to discover the city is on foot.