Today we set off for Milan—or as the locals proudly call it, Milano.
The last time we passed through was back in 2008, en route to Venice. That experience, already captured in the blog, left us hoping for a smoother encounter at Milano’s station this time around.
After a late wake-up (a well-earned rest from our Florentine adventures), we recalled last night’s dinner just steps from our hotel—literally 25 metres away. A simple yet perfect meal: one pizza shared between us, still table water, a shared dessert, and a bright limoncello nightcap.
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| Dinner in Florence |
At the next table sat three travellers from Hong Kong, and soon conversation flowed. For half an hour we exchanged stories—our Rome highlights for their tips on Japan, where we’ll be heading in October 2026. Encounters like this remind us that meeting new people is one of the great privileges of travel.
This morning we checked out of the Mercure and made our way to the station. While waiting, a young woman with a small dog asked for change. We’ve heard that many Mediterranean beggars are caught up in organised networks, reminiscent of the street gangs of Victorian London. It’s a painful reality, underscored by the strong police presence both inside and around the station.
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| Florence Station |
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| Florence Station |
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| Florence Station |
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| Florence Station |
Our train, Trenitalia 9520, whisked us northward in business class comfort. At speeds of up to 300 km/h, the ride was smooth and quiet—more like an airline cabin than a train. A fitting way to begin our next chapter in Milano.
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| 300km per hours |
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| Italian countryside flashing past |
Our journey into Milan began with a smooth train ride—fast, efficient, and surprisingly indulgent.
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| 300kmh |
Sitting in business class, we were treated to a small snack and complimentary drinks, the kind of thoughtful service that makes travel feel effortless.
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| Milano Centrale |
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| Milano Centrale |
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| Milano Centrale |
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| Milano Centrale |
Arriving at Milano Centrale, I couldn’t help but notice how much the station had changed since our last visit in 2008. Once a grand but slightly tired landmark, it has now been modernised into a sleek hub that reflects Milan’s role as a gateway to Italy’s north.
A short taxi ride brought us to our hotel, the NH Collection, just outside the historic center. Check-in was seamless, and our spacious room even included a small annex for luggage—a detail that made settling in feel organised and calm.
It took us about 30 minutes to walk from the hotel into the historic core of the city. The stroll was a gentle immersion into Milanese life, with cafés spilling onto sidewalks and elegant façades lining the streets. Eventually, the city opened up into its grand stage: Piazza del Duomo, a vast square dominated by the Cathedral and flanked by the world’s first shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in the 1860s in high Victorian style.
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| Galleria |
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| Galleria |
Standing before the Duomo di Milano is like confronting a dream carved in marble. Its spires rise like frozen flames, each adorned with statues that seem to guard the city. Construction began in 1386 and stretched across centuries, blending Gothic ambition with Renaissance patience.
Inside, the cathedral is a forest of stone columns, soaring upwards like trees, while stained glass windows shimmer with biblical stories in jewel tones. Several bishops rest in clear caskets, dressed in ornate robes and silver masks—a reminder of the cathedral’s role as both a spiritual and civic centre.
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One of the most moving relics is a nail believed to be from the True Cross, retrieved by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Suspended high in the ceiling, it is marked by a glowing red light, a beacon of faith that has endured through centuries.
Tip for travellers: take the lift to the rooftop. Walking among the flying buttresses, you feel the cathedral’s Gothic engineering up close. The view stretches across Milan’s rooftops, and we were told on clear days, the Alps shimmer on the horizon.
Just steps away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers a different kind of grandeur. Built in the 1860s, it is often called Milan’s “living room”—a palace of commerce beneath a soaring iron-and-glass dome. Key points include:
• Architecture: mosaic floors, frescoes celebrating Italian cities, and a dome that floods the arcade with light.
• Experience: luxury boutiques like Prada and Gucci sit alongside historic cafés. We paused at Camparino, sipping cappuccinos while watching the steady rhythm of Milanese life.
• Quirk: don’t miss the mosaic bull on the floor. Tradition says spinning on its testicles brings good luck. The constant line of visitors trying it adds a touch of humor to the elegance.
Visiting the Duomo and the Galleria back-to-back felt like reading Milan’s story in two chapters:
• The Duomo speaks of faith, endurance, and centuries of craftsmanship.
• The Galleria celebrates modernity, elegance, and Milan’s rise as a capital of fashion and commerce.
Together, they embody the city’s dual spirit—sacred and stylish, ancient and forward-looking.
After our two-hour guided tour of the cathedral, we ended the day in true Italian style: a bar tucked away from the square, where we enjoyed a Passion Spritz and a plate of pasta. The perfect close to a day where history and everyday life intertwined seamlessly.
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