Stadio San Siro also known as the Meazza San Siro Stadium is one of the most premier football stadiums in Milan. The prestigious stadium is the hub of two of the three most successful Italian Football League clubs: A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale. This reputed stadium has been officially renamed to pay a tribute to the legendary player, Giuseppe Meazza, the Inter and Milan player of the 1930s and 1940s.

The concept to construct a stadium in the same district of the horse racing track belongs to the man who was the then president of A.C. Milan, Piero Pirelli and his name will always be remembered with great honor in the history of world football for this remarkable stadium which has earned rave reviews for its classic ambiance.

The ground of the Meazza San Siro Stadium was originally the home and property of AC Milan, but later on International hired the grounds of this stadium and the two have shared the ground ever since. Although the world famous Italian player, Giuseppe Meazza played for both Internazionale and AC Milan, but he received more success at Inter and is thereby more favored by the supporters of Inter. Fox Soccer Channel has frequently referred to the stadium as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza di San Siro while featuring replays of past Milan home matches.

Apart from being frequently used by the Milan and Inter, Stadio San Siro also hosted matches by the Italian national football team. The stadium was also used for UEFA Cup finals, and it underwent considerable renovations for the 1990 World Cup to upgrade its general standard. As an integral part of the renovations, the stadium became all seated, and an extra tier was added to 3 sides of the stadium and 11 concrete towers were constructed outside the stadium.

San Siro Stadium Map

Facts about San Siro Stadium

• The construction of the stadium began in 1925 in the San Siro district of Milan.
• The architects designed the Stadio San Siro stadium only for football
• Its inauguration was held on September 19, 1926.
• More than 35,000 spectators gathered to watch the inaugural match where Inter defeat Milan by 6-3.

Where is San Siro Stadium?

Stadio San Siro is located in Milan. It takes around half-an-hour to reach the stadium from the Milan Linate Airport.

Best time to visit San Siro Stadium

Visit Milan during April through May or September-end through October as the weather is pleasant.

More on San Siro Stadium

Nearby Attractions: Museo Cenacolo Vinciano, Sforzesco Castle, Brera Art Gallery, Teatro alla Scala, Monumental Cemetery, and Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.

Pompeii, Italy – If you want to travel back 2,000 years, come to Pompeii. This largest archeological site in Europe is where history resides. The well-preserved ruins of the once prosperous city are a testimony to the yesteryear glories and a window to the ancient ways of life in Italy. The charm of this heritage site lingers long after you have paid a visit.

History

Pompeii belonged to the ancient Greeks, who first settled here in the 8^th century B.C. However, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city under a thick sheet of volcanic ashes. The site was rediscovered by a delegation of archeologists in 1748 and found most parts of the city virtually intact. UNESCO designated Pompeii as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Things to Do in Pompeii

The premier archeological site is the place to get familiar with the ancient Italian way of living. It’s a rare visit to centuries-old homes, shops, temples, amphitheaters and more.

Do visit Mount Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano that invites you to hike and reach the 3,900-ft-high summit. The aerial view of the Bay of Naples from the summit is fascinating.

Nearby Attractions

When you have a happening city like Naples in close vicinity, then you are up for having some really good time hanging around. Enter Naples and you will have a number of famous destinations at your disposal such as the Naples National Archeological Museum, Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace of Naples, Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, and Teatro di San Carlo (Royal Theatre of Saint Charles).

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is close to the Bay of Naples in the Province of Naples in South-western Italy.

How to Reach Pompeii?

 By Air – The Naples International Airport is the nearest one from Pompeii. It takes a half-an-hour drive from the airport to cover a distance of around 30 km.

 By Train – Circumvesuviana di Napoli is the nearest railway station from Pompeii, which is located at a distance of 25.5 km. The railway route connects Pompeii with Circumvesuviana and Sorrento.

 By Road – The Naples Metropolitan City is a mere 25.6 km from Pompeii and requires a half-an-hour drive from there. Pompeii is also well connected by road to some of the other major cities of the region.

Accommodations

There are several hotels near Pompeii to choose from. Pompeii Resort, Hotel Forum, Hotel Palma, and Hotel Maiuri take care of the needs of those who won’t mind shelling out more in return of luxury. Accommodations such as Hotel Iside, Hotel Diana, Hotel Degli Amici, Hotel Del Sole, Hotel Visagi, Hotel Giovanna, and Santa Caterina are the best options for the economy travelers to choose from.

Restaurants

Although there are very few restaurants near Pompeii, they do provide great food. The President and Ristorante Lucullus offer sumptuous Italian dishes and delicacies. If you want to try pizzas, head to Ristorante & Pizzeria da Gigino. The Melius, a gourmet deli, offers you plenty to choose from and satisfy your taste buds. Local delicacies such as Soppressata Cilentana (smoked salami from Cilento), Gragnano pasta, mozzarella di bufala, and Amalfi Coast marmalades are some of the best you can get in the country. If you head northwards to the city of Naples, more options open up.

Best Time to Visit

April to October is the best time to visit Pompeii as the weather remains quite pleasant during this period.

Things to Remember

Operating Hours

08:30 to 19:30 (April-October). No entry after 18:00

08:30 to 17:00 (November-March). No entry after 15:30

Entry Tickets

Adults – €11

EU citizens under 18 and over 65 years – Entry Free

Facts About Pompeii

• Pompeii was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The city is spread over an area of 98 hectares.
• The ruins of Pompeii are the largest archeological site in Europe.
• This tourist destination attracts over 2.5 million visitors from around the world every year.
• As per the historians, the destroyer of Ancient Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius – has seen more than 50 eruptions over the centuries.
• The archeological excavations of Pompeii are still going on even after three centuries have passed since it was re-discovered.
• Find out facts about Italy here….

Image Credit: Kim Traynor

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.