At first Milan doesn’t strike as a very historical city in comparison to other Italian cities (i.e. Rome or Florence). But if you take your time and have the patience to look around, you will be surprised at how many corners in Milano take back you in time.

One of those places is the San Cristoforo Church. It is located on the Naviglio Grande canal (I dare to say one of the most beautiful areas of Milan). The church was initially built as a chapel in the 12th century and played an important role throughout the centuries. When you stand at the small village-style square and look at the church facade, you have the feeling that you have escaped away from the loud city. Walking inside, you will realise immediately the building has been standing there since 10 centuries – old icon work, the smell of candles, everything is a reminder of ‘time’.

If you pass by the church on the weekend afternoons, there’s a very big chance you will catch a glimpse of an Italian wedding. Otherwise, you will find locals sitting on the benches at the small church square, licking a delicious ice cream and chit chatting away.

My secret advice – take a walk along the Naviglio Grande in the early evening up to the San Cristoforo church and explore it inside; then grab an amazing pistachio ice cream from the nearby ice cream shop and watch the sun go down at the small pedestrian bridge, just across the church.