06 Aug Milan in the past. The old means of transportation

Have you ever thought how Milan would be without subway or bus? Today the Milanese citizens move easily around the city in no time thanks to the efficient urban transports, but in the past the means of transportation situation was very different.

From unification till the omnibus.

Until Italy's unification in 1861, citizens moved around with their own resources. When in 1805 the city became the capital of Italy, the first public transport service had been established. Austrian domination intensified river transport along the canals. In 1827 the first horse-drawn omnibus took place.

Trams.

The first electric tram line in 1893 ranged from Piazza del Duomo to Corso Sempione - much of the route which is still the path of the tram number 1. The most characteristic models are the 1928 type, manufactured in 500 copies by Carminati & Toselli between 1927 and 1930; some of them are still circulating. They were brown and cream (then repainted green in the forties) and initially set up with a lounge area for smokers, quickly suppressed.

The elevated railway for Expo 1906.

In 1906, on the occasion of tunnel Sempione's opening, Milan dedicated the World Expo to transports. Sempione Park (named after the tunnel) was connected by a small railway to Piazza d'Armi. To overcome the obstacles that arose along the way, this technological marvel was built with electric traction in elevated section.

Trains.

In 1906 King Vittorio Emanuele III laid the foundation stone of the new Central Station. Since 1931, the Milanese and the Europeans who left the city remained impressed by the monumentality of fascist and Art-Nouveau decorations.

The first metro.

After decades of proposals, finally the first subway's works began. The red line (M1) was inaugurated on November 1, 1964. Then followed the green line (M2) in 1969, the yellow one (M3) in 1990 and the lilac (M5) in 2013. And what about the M4? It will connect Linate airport to St. Cristoforo.

Cars.

The metro met a compelling need: to decongest the city traffic. 500 and bianchine ruled the city! Vintage Tour Milan provides vintage Fiat 500s, to fulfill the dreams of those who want to relive the '60s and make a tour of the city with style.

This part of Milan is here no more, but if you're curious to take a trip to the city to see all the changes you can visit our website: you will find the special offer that suits best your stay.