Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire in AD 313. As a powerful medieval city-state, Milan expanded its influence by conquest under a series of colourful (and often bloody) dynasties – the Torrianis, the Viscontis and finally the Sforzas. However, under Spanish rule from 1525 and then the Austrians from 1713, Milan lost some of its brio. In 1860, it joined the nascent United Kingdom of Italy.
Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party in Milan in 1919 and his lifeless body was strung up in the same city, in Piazzale Loreto, by the partisans who had summarily executed him towards the end of WWII in 1945. Allied bombings during WWII destroyed much of central Milan. Treasures that survived include the Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (just), the Castello Sforzesco and the Teatro alla Scala opera house. Milan was quick to get back on its feet after the war and what still sets it apart today is its creative streak and can-do attitude.
