Introduction
Milan and its surrounding plains hide behind their modernity a tradition of farmhouses, risotto, and cured meats that local festivals keep alive.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 4 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Milano e Dintorni:
Oh Bej! Oh Bej!
7 dicembreMilano · Dal 1886
Storico mercatino di Sant'Ambrogio al Castello Sforzesco.
TUTTOFOOD
Maggio (biennale)Milano
Fiera internazionale dell'agroalimentare di eccellenza.
Sagra del Gorgonzola
SettembreGorgonzola
Festa dedicata al formaggio DOP nel suo paese d'origine.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Milano e Dintorni represent the excellence of the area:
The quintessential Christmas cake, born in Milano in the 15th century.
A blue-veined cheese born in the town of the same name at the gates of Milano.
A hard-paste aged cheese produced in the Pianura Padana since 1135.
A traditional Milanese preparation made with saffron, broth, and butter.
What to eat in Milano e Dintorni
Risotto with saffron, butter, bone marrow, and Grana Padano, recognizable by its distinctive golden color.
Breaded veal cutlet fried in butter, a signature dish of Milano.
Braised veal shank with gremolada of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.
Milanese meatballs made from leftover boiled meat, breaded and fried.
Traditions & Culture
Historic Milanese market for the Feast of Sant'Ambrogio, celebrated since 1886.
Italy's longest carnival, concluding on the Saturday following Martedì Grasso according to Ambrosian tradition.
UNESCO Heritage
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in the convent's refectory.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
A vast protected agricultural area south of Milano with historic farmhouses.
Italy's first regional park (1974), along the Ticino River.
Historical Figures
He lived in Milano for 20 years, where he painted the Last Supper and designed the Navigli.
Connected to the Teatro alla Scala, where many of his operas premiered.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Milano e Dintorni are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“Milanese Panettone was born in the court of Ludovico il Moro in the 15th century, and according to legend, was named after the baker's apprentice Toni ("Pan de Toni").”
“Cotoletta alla milanese and the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel have been competing for recognition since 1148.”
“Milano has more than 150 km of Navigli, a system of canals designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and PGI products are found in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
In Milano and Dintorni, you'll find 4 protected designation products, including: Panettone (PAT), Gorgonzola (DOP), Grana Padano (DOP), and Risotto allo Zafferano (PAT).
2What should I eat in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
Typical dishes from Milano and Dintorni include: Risotto alla milanese, Cotoletta alla milanese, Ossobuco alla milanese, and Mondeghili. Each dish tells the gastronomic story of the territory.
3What UNESCO heritage sites are in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
In Milano and Dintorni, there is 1 UNESCO heritage site: the Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (Cultural, 1980).
4What are the most famous festivals in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Milano and Dintorni are: Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (Milano, December 7); TUTTOFOOD (Milano, May - biennial); Sagra del Gorgonzola (Gorgonzola, September).
5What natural parks are in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Milano and Dintorni include: Parco Agricolo Sud Milano (Regional Park) and Parco del Ticino (Regional Park).
6Who organizes festivals in Milano and Dintorni?expand_more
Festivals in Milano and Dintorni are organized by local communities such as the Associazione Oh Bej! Oh Bej! and the Consorzio del Gorgonzola. These local tourism associations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.