Milano Porta Romana Railway Station

Milano Porta Romana Railway Station is a landmark connecting Milan’s past and present. Opened in 1931 in the Art Deco style, it was conceived as a southern gateway to the city, near the historic Porta Romana gate. Today it serves as a transit point for regional and suburban trains and a starting place for exploring Milan’s southern districts, with transport connections and cultural, historical and culinary attractions nearby (Urbanfile, 2025; Easy Milano; YesMilano).

History and redevelopment

Milano Porta Romana opened in 1931 as part of Milan’s early-20th-century urban expansion. Near Corso Lodi and the centuries-old Porta Romana gate, its Art Deco architecture reflected the style of the era, and its position made it an entry point to the city’s wider railway network (Urbanfile, 2025; Easy Milano).

As Milan’s rail traffic became centred on larger hubs such as Milano Centrale, Porta Romana’s importance declined. The adjacent Scalo Romana railway yard also became neglected amid industrial change and urban decay.

A new phase of redevelopment began in the 2020s, following Milan’s selection as a co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Supported by a €180 million investment, the work involves COIMA SGR, Covivio, Prada Holding, FS Italiane and the Municipality of Milan. The project includes the Olympic Village and new public green spaces (COIMA Press Release, 2022).

The redevelopment area is approximately 190,000 m², plus 26,000 m² of railway infrastructure. The Olympic Village delivery date is July 2025. The listed project architects are AOUMM (Argot Ou la Maison Mobile); the Olympic Village was designed by SOM and is intended to host over 1,300 athletes (COIMA, 2021; designboom; SOM).

After the Games, the Village is planned to become Italy’s largest student housing complex, supporting Milan’s academic community (Covivio; YesMilano). Access will be restricted during the Games, with public access resuming post-Olympics as the area becomes a residential and student district.

The regeneration targets LEED® certification, zero-fossil-fuel operations and low carbon emissions in alignment with EU 2050 goals. Plans also describe carbon-neutral construction, green roofs and renewable energy. The sustainability target listed for the project is less than 750 kgCO₂/m². The Parco Romana Masterplan incorporates pedestrian zones and green spaces (COIMA, 2021; COIMA; ACPV Architects).

The masterplan includes the preservation and restoration of historic buildings such as the Squadra Rialzo and the “Basilico” warehouse (Domusweb). During the Games, the district’s food, art and theatre scenes are expected to be active, alongside cultural events, enhanced public spaces and Olympic celebrations (YesMilano; Milanocortina2026).

What to see

The station and district reflect different periods of Milan’s history. Porta Romana is named for its monumental city gate, completed in 1596 as part of the Spanish Walls, with roots tracing back to Roman times. The wider area combines ancient roads, medieval cloisters, 19th-century palazzi and modern architecture (wearelocalnomads.com).

The redeveloped station and district are part of Milan’s wider urban renewal. The area also has green spaces and cultural landmarks, including the Porta Romana gate, Fondazione Prada and the historic Rotonda della Besana. Virtual tours and photo galleries are available through the COIMA website, along with images of the Art Deco station, the gate and local cultural landmarks.

Practical visiting information

Station hours and tickets

Station hours Daily from 5:00 AM to midnight. Shops, restrooms and ticket offices may have different hours.
Train tickets Available at station counters, multilingual automated machines and online, including through Trenitalia, Omio and travel apps. Tickets can also be purchased using Trenord travel cards (Omio).
Metro tickets Sold separately at Lodi TIBB metro station.
Station entry No station entry ticket is required; tickets are required for train travel.

Station facilities and accessibility

Located at Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, the station is compact and step-free, with clear signage and covered platforms (Moovit). Accessibility features include ramps, elevators and tactile paving for visually impaired passengers; redevelopment is intended to enhance accessibility further.

Facilities include sheltered seating, restrooms, vending machines and local cafés. For luggage storage, nearby services include Bounce.

Getting there and transport connections

Metro Line M3 (Yellow Line) at Lodi TIBB, a short walk from the station; it also connects to the city centre (Rome2Rio).
Rail S9 and S13 connect to Milan’s suburbs (Moovit).
Tram Line 9 connects to key districts and offers cross-city routes.
Bus Multiple city lines serve the area, including night options.
Taxi and rideshare Nearby ranks and app-based services are available.
Cycling Bike lanes and bike-sharing services are available (Scalo Porta Romana).

For the Olympic Village area, connections include Metro M3, S9 suburban rail, tram lines 9 and 24, and multiple bus lines (Milano Segreta; EasyTravel4U).

Olympic Village access and events

The Village is restricted during the Games, and public access resumes post-Olympics. It is planned to become a residential and student area after the Games. Event tickets are officially available via the Milan Cortina 2026 portal. The Village is designed with accessibility in mind for all visitors.

Walking tours of the district and cultural sites are available; check local listings or the Fondazione Prada website for current offerings.

Tips

Check train and metro timetables, and book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Use mobile apps for real-time transport information and consult local event calendars.
Reserve tours in advance, especially in high season.
Spring or autumn is recommended for visiting the district.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Use luggage storage if exploring before or after checkout.
The station and neighborhood are described as well-lit and patrolled; be aware of pickpockets during busy hours (Italy Travel Plan).
The Audiala app offers real-time updates and personalized travel tips.

Nearby places and the Porta Romana district

Attractions and green spaces

Porta Romana Gate An iconic city arch and remnant of the Spanish Walls. It is free and open to the public.
Giardini della Guastalla 16th-century gardens, open daily from 7:00 AM to sunset (yesmilano.it).
Rotonda della Besana A historic cloister and public park, with gardens and events (italia.it).
Fondazione Prada A contemporary art museum and art centre in a former distillery (Easy Milano; yesmilano.it).
QC Terme Milano A thermal spa within the ancient walls (flawless.life).
Casa Sartorio Noted for its early-20th-century architecture.
Parco Romana A newly developed green space focused on sustainability.
Parco Ravizza and Parco della Resistenza Local green spaces.

The main routes in the parks are paved and accessible for wheelchairs.

Food, nightlife and community

The district has traditional trattorias, creative bistros and pizzerias such as Pizza AM and Marghe. Aperitivo is part of the local scene, with sidewalk cafés and wine bars (flawless.life).

Porta Romana has weekly markets, a vibrant university presence and a friendly local atmosphere. It is described as a safe and inclusive neighborhood (idealista.it; yesmilano.it).

Further information

Sources and further information:

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a ticket to enter the station?
No. Only tickets for train travel are required.

What accessibility features does the station have?
Ramps, elevators and tactile paving are provided; further enhancements are planned.

How do I reach the station from central Milan?
Take Metro Line 3 to Lodi TIBB, then walk to the station.

Are tours available?
Yes. Walking tours of the district and major cultural sites are available.

Can I visit the Olympic Village?
Access is restricted during the Games. It is planned to open as a residential and student area after the Olympics.

Are there fees to visit the Porta Romana gate?
No. It is free and open to the public.

Are the parks accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. The main routes are paved and accessible.