Leaving Today! Last minute question -- Milan for a few hours

Per that same Wikipedia article: Due to the Italian economic crisis during World War I, construction proceeded very slowly, and the project, rather simple at the beginning, kept changing and became more and more complex and majestic. This happened especially when Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister, and wanted the station to represent the power of the fascist regime.

The Milan Central train station is, by itself, a "thing to do" We were there 3 days ago and the station is marvelous. HUGE MARBLE CLEAN did I say HUGE? Apparently they had a big cleaning project that was completed 18 months ago, according to one local I spoke with. As far as somewhere close to get something to eat....there is food in the station itself. If you're feeling adventurous and want to venture out, walk around the neighborhood at the front of the station. You will probably find some restaurants and can get something to go for your trip. For more info, do a search on tripadvisor.com ...but the station is marvelous.

I agree that the station itself is something to behold. It's a monument to fascism, thanks to Mussolini. It's designed to make you feel puny, and it succeeds. Well worth spending some time exploring.

With just 2 hours, you should just explore the station and get a bite to eat there, as advised above. Here is the website for the station information, with a link to a list of bars, cafes and bakeries: http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b51172ceeae7b110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD You will find risotto, even Risotto Milanese (with saffron) in many places in Italy, so no need to seek it out in Milan. I doubt you could find any that time of the morning anyway. The bars and cafes will have a nice assortment of baked goods and sandwiches, and excellent coffee. Or you could have a light snack and buy sandwiches to eat on your train ride.

Considering the Milan train station was built in 1864, I doubt that Mussolini nor fascisim had much to do with the design of it. Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milano_Centrale_railway_station

According to the history of the Milano Centrale station on their website (provided above), the station opened in May, 1931. The design was a result of a design competition that began in 1906, so it took 25 years to finalize the design and then build it. Further additions and modifications were made post-war.

Michael may be right, just that it isn't how I understood the article, as I read it that the design was created earlier. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter though, it is still a magnificent building. Have a good time in Milan and all the rest of Italy, Kristen.

Kristen, I've also been stuck in Milano Centrale for a few hours, looking for things to do, so can appreciate your question. I'm not sure you're going to find any restaurants offering Risotto at that time of the morning. There are some small Cafes down two floors from track level, near the ticket office. You can get a Pizza, coffee or whatever there which will take some time. There are other Bars at track level which offer a variety of Panini, Coffee, Pastries, etc. There are a few choices. When I passed through Milano Centrale last year, I noticed that they had set up some large screen LCD TV's right at the end of the tracks, which blared very annoying advert's every minute or two. Just about drove my crazy! Thank goodness for noise cancelling Headphones and LOUD rock music! Happy travels!

Those annoying TV screens are everywhere in train stations now. They show the same few commercials on a continuous loop. I noticed them on our recent trip. Rome, Bologna, any fairly major station. Very annoying. Very American. :-)

Michael, I didn't encounter the TV's in Rome last year, but figured it wouldn't be long until they were installed in almost every station. I wonder if they realize how annoying they are? If I lived in Italy, I'd boycott any of the advertised products just to demonstrate my displeasure at the advert's.