and the capital city of the region
of Lombardy
and of the province of Milan
. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area
, roughly coinciding with its administrative province
and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza (created in 2004 splitting the northern part from the province of Milan itself), is one of Europe's largest with an estimated population of over 4 million spread over 1980 km² (764.48 sq mi), with a consequent population density of more than 2,000 inhabitants/km².
1355 Charles I of Bohemia was crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in Milan.
1422 Battle of Arbedo between the duke of Milan and the Swiss cantons.
1500 Duke Ludovico Sforza conquers Milan.
1513 Italian Wars: Battle of Novara. Swiss troops defeat the French under Louis de la Tremoille, forcing the French to abandon Milan. Duke Massimiliano Sforza is restored.
1516 The Treaty of Noyon between France and Spain is signed. Francis I of France recognises Charles's claim to Naples, and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor recognises Francis's claim to Milan.
1796 First Coalition: Napoleon enters Milan in triumph.
1805 Napoléon Bonaparte assumes the title of King of Italy and is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in the Duomo di Milano, the gothic cathedral in Milan.
1842 Giuseppe Verdi's third opera, ''Nabucco'', receives its première performance in Milan; its success establishes Verdi as one of Italy's foremost opera writers.
1843 Giuseppe Verdi's opera ''I Lombardi'' receives its first performance in Milan.
1883 In Milan in Italy inaugurated the first central European electricity power station.