The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro, is one of the most spectacular sights in Milan and remains one of the biggest attractions in the Italian city.
Home to both Inter and AC Milan, the 80,000 capacity stadium remains one of the largest all-seater football grounds in Europe and is blessed with an incredibly deep history that traces all the way back to 1925. While there are plenty of beautiful venues that are full of culture and heritage throughout the city, the San Siro is a must-visit for any tourist who travels to Milan, whether you’re a football enthusiast or a fashion fanatic.
Located in Milan’s San Siro district, the stadium is impressive in both stature and atmosphere. With three tiers and 11 concrete towers, it’s certainly unique in design. The San Siro is colossal and is a daunting venue for opposing sides. Whilst Milan’s clubs are no longer the European powerhouses that they were in the past, this stadium remains one of the most hostile and atmospheric venues in world football. It truly is a wonderful sight and is well worth visiting, even if it’s just for a photograph outside of the ground.
photo by Jose Hidalgo on Flickr
photo by Jamie Davies on Flickr
However, the San Siro has also hosted numerous other events – including rugby union fixtures and rock concerts. In 2009, Italy faced New Zealand in the first rugby union match to be held at the stadium. Unfortunately, the hosts lost 20-6 to the All Blacks on that occasion. Meanwhile, some of music’s greatest bands have played at the venue. The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2 – who have performed at the iconic stadium an incredible four times – are just a few of the incredible bands who have graced the stadium. In terms of individual artists, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen have both played gigs at the venue whilst Michael Jackson held a concert there back in 1997. That was his only ever appearance in Milan.
Although there are plenty of historic football grounds, the San Siro remains one of the greatest. The history, heritage, culture and success of Milan’s two clubs has added to the incredible aura and atmosphere surrounding the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and it ranks alongside the Camp Nou and Wembley Stadium as Europe’s top football grounds. While AC and Inter are currently struggling on the field, their stadium is still the greatest of all.
photo by dido on Flickr
