SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

T he main city of northern Italy, Milan is strategically located in the plains of Lombardy. Rich in art and history, with a unique lifestyle, timeless elegance and refined gastronomy, it is the ideal destination for discerning travellers. The charming cobblestone streets in the city centre invite you to a relaxing stroll admiring historic, aristocratic buildings along the way, while new and emerging areas of the city exude a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere. In Milan, the classic and the new coexist in an elegant balance which makes the city one of the most glamourous in Italy. Milan is also a cultural destination. Its renowned museums, the not-to- be-missed masterpieces – The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci and the Duomo cathedral, to name a few – and the magic of one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, Teatro alla Scala, set the bar for what the city has to offer. In Milan, another cultural aspect is food: from the ritual of the morning espresso through the traditional lunches in trattoria and several fine dining proposals, the city is an enticing stop for food lovers. Milan is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind destination, boasting an ever-expanding cultural scene and unbeatable range of top entertainment venues. It is also the perfect jumping-off point for great escapes to other parts of northern Italy, including stunning lakes, quiet country towns, and seaside retreats, while many hiking and skiing options can be discovered in the nearby mountains. The hotel, which opened its doors in 2015, is housed within four 18th century buildings overlooking two parallel streets. Its main entrance is on quiet via Andegari, a side street of fashionable via Manzoni. According to legend, when the Romans first set foot in Milan, they found a Celtic settlement completely surrounded by thick hawthorn hedge, a section of via Andegari – “andegavium” means hawthorn in Latin – follows that ancient hedge line. Originally built as a luxurious manor house, Palazzo Confalonieri, original coats of arms of historical “Lombard provinces” are visible on the walls, reflecting the building’s illustrious past. The restoration project was conceived and completed by ACPVArchitects (Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel), a well-established Milanese firm of international interior designers, who have created a harmonious design across the four buildings. The project blends oriental touches with Milanese style and pays homage to Italian creative masters such as Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti. Simply Abu Dhabi | 63