Via Monte Napoleone: Europe's Most Sophisticated Fashion District

History of the Street

The beautiful Via Monte Napoleone traces the old city walls built by Roman Emperor Maximian. In the first half of the 19th century, the street was reconstructed almost entirely in a neoclassical style and lined with the palaces of Milan's highest aristocracy. As World War II came to a close, Via Monte Napoleone was transformed into Milan's most sought-after fashion destination. Important buildings in the precinct include the Palazzo Melzi di Cusano, the Casa Carcassola and the Palazzetta Tarverna.

Experiencing Via Monte Napoleone

Nowadays, no visit to Milan is complete without a customary stop at Via Monte Napoleone. High street shoppers are often found browsing through Italian and international design outlets, jewelers, furriers and antique dealers. Even as family-owned enterprises are forced to close or relocate because of rocketing rent, institutions like Buccellati, Cusi and Pederzani still firmly remain. Some of the finest examples of visual merchandising and store design are to be seen here.
If you need a break from retail therapy then look out for Caffè Cova, one of the city's oldest cafés serving traditional Milanese desserts and cakes. It relocated from its original premises in the Teatro alla Scala to Via Monte Napoleone in 1950. The street is also a great place to people-watch, enjoy an elegant meal or sip an authentic cappuccino to liven those spirits.
Spend a few hours at Via Monte Napoleone if you love the more luxurious things in life: Milanese tiramisu, exquisite architectural facades and porticoes, fast cars and high fashion. On a good day, you may even spot the odd celebrity designer walking by. Getting here is simple, as the street has its own Metro stop at Montenapoleone. One of the world's fashion capitals awaits you at Milan's Via Monte Napoleone.

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