Heart of Milan

Milan is one of the most vibrant and developed cities in Italy. It's also lauded as the fashion capital of the world, but for me, a short trip to this city has painted a picture of a destination that truly embodies the spirit of Italy.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a historic shopping center in Milan.

The vibrant energy from the city's inhabitants.

It's often said that Italians are lively, outgoing, open, extroverted, and sociable. This assessment was certainly true at my first stop in Milan. The late train ride, arriving near midnight, left us quite disoriented as we struggled to find our accommodation. Although our homestay was near the train station, the torrential rain made it difficult to navigate. Luckily, a young man we met on a deserted road enthusiastically helped us and led us to the homestay.

The subway and bus journeys through the city further reinforced our impression of Italian character, as the local men and women freely laughed, talked, and expressed their emotions through body language and intonation. We quietly observed them and felt as if we were being infected by their cheerful energy through their lively conversations. The atmosphere was even more vibrant in the city's busiest tourist spots. From the Doumo Square to the surrounding small streets, in Milan's most famous cafes and traditional bakeries, everywhere I encountered pleasant, friendly faces chatting happily. They were always enthusiastic in answering our questions and giving us directions when we asked about shops or places to visit.

The buildings in the Duomo square bear the strong imprint of the Gothic style.

The glamorous realm of art

Is there a connection between the Italian personality traits and artistic excellence? These emotionally rich souls have elevated Italian art forms to a global level, from painting and sculpture to music and architecture… And a part of Italy's artistic excellence resides in Milan. To explore the art of architecture and sculpture, one must visit the Doumo Square – the heart of Milan – located in the city center.

The square is named after the Milan Cathedral (full Italian name: Duomo di Milano). This cathedral is always on the list of the most magnificent and beautiful churches in Europe and the world . My first feeling upon arriving at the square, admiring the structure from afar, was one of awe. Looking up at the cathedral's roof, the forest of white stone spires rising against the clear blue sky was a spectacular image that left a lasting impression. The American writer and journalist Mark Twain, upon his first visit in 1867, exclaimed: “ What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful !” ( Source: visit-Milano.net )

Beyond its elegant architectural lines, this structure is also impressive with over 3,000 decorative statues, including nearly 100 statues of animal heads. Built over five centuries, this Gothic-style structure is the brainchild of nearly 80 talented European architects from many countries.

The exquisitely carved stone statues on the walls of Milan Cathedral.

Visitors have many options for exploring the cathedral, such as going inside or buying tickets to visit the rooftop and admire Milan from above. Due to the large crowds, there can be long waits for security checks or ticket queues. I chose to walk around the cathedral to get a closer look at the exquisite carvings on the stone. Furthermore, standing at the cathedral's facade and watching the bustling crowds in the square was also a delightful experience to truly appreciate Milan.

Just a few steps from the church lies the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II complex. This shopping center, built in the late 19th century, boasts architecture well worth admiring and exploring. The building resembles a magnificent palace, with glass-enclosed walkways, floors paved with mosaic tiles, and columns and walls adorned with countless elaborate sculptures. It houses renowned luxury brands that will satisfy any shopping enthusiast; simply gazing at them is a feast for the eyes. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is also an artistic hub, frequently hosting performances and serving as a meeting place for artists and the public who appreciate music, fashion, and more.

Milan – a city in northern Italy – still has so much to discover and explore. In July 2025, Vietnam Airlines is expected to launch a direct flight from Hanoi to Milan. Currently, the airline is offering tickets at very attractive prices. Check out the information on www.vietnamairlines.com and plan your trip to Milan next summer!

Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/trai-tim-milan/