ThePiazza della Repubblica is a central green square in close proximity to themain train station, and is popular with visitors staying in Milan. Cafés,restaurants and hotels to suit most budgets can be found throughout the nearbystreets. The piazza itself is filled with trees, fountains, monuments and lawnsthat offer an escape from the busy city life. It was built in 1865 around the then-newMilano Central Station.
Someof the tallest buildings in Milan can be found in the Piazza della Repubblicadistrict. Its mix of modern skyscrapers and renaissance-style buildings make foran interesting architectural tour. Look for the Breda Tower that overlooks the piazza.It was designed by famous architect Luigi Mattioni and was once the tallestskyscraper in the city.
ThePiazza della Repubblica houses offices for some of Italy’s biggestcorporations. Sit in the park in the centre of the square in the morning andafternoon to watch men and women in suits go about their daily routines. Thepark also houses many sculptures. Italian politician and activist GiuseppeMazzini, who helped bring about Italian independence, is celebrated with amonument.
Finedining restaurants around the Piazza della Repubblica cater to the businesscrowds, serving long lunches and degustation dinners. Travellers on a budgetwill find affordable trattorias and pizzerias here as well. Sample local dishessuch as risotto alla Milanese, a ricedish made with saffron and parmesan, and drink wine from vineyards surroundingMilan. Finish the night with fresh gelati and wander through the safe and quietstreets back to your hotel.
ThePiazza della Repubblica is located by the Milan Central Station and theRepubblica metro station. Many visitors arriving in Milan by train will arriveat the central station, which is within easy reach of many downtown hotels andattractions. Pay to park in off-street garages.
Thepiazza is open all day and night and is free to enter.
