The Duomo di Milano, a grand Gothic cathedral, sits at the center of Milan, a city with a rich culinary tradition influenced by its history at the crossroads of European culture. Milanese cuisine has evolved over centuries, absorbing elements from different regions of Italy as well as foreign influences due to the city’s importance as a commercial and political hub. Milan's dishes reflect the lavishness of the Renaissance period but also the necessity of simpler rural cooking. The food around the Duomo would historically have catered to a diverse array of people, from the aristocracy to the common folk, creating a rich tapestry of culinary offerings.