In Rome, I particularly love the history, churches, sculptures and architecture and the fact that you can walk along a tiny cobbled street and turn the corner to find the Trevi Fountain. London is evocative of other eras and full of history.

In this quote, Philip Treacy, the renowned Irish milliner, expresses his deep admiration for the history and architecture of two iconic European cities—Rome and London. He is particularly enchanted by the way Rome blends the everyday with the extraordinary. His description of walking down a tiny cobbled street only to unexpectedly discover the Trevi Fountain captures the city's unique ability to surprise and inspire with its historic richness and artistic treasures at every turn.

Treacy's mention of churches, sculptures, and architecture emphasizes his appreciation for the city's layered cultural heritage. In Rome, art, spirituality, and urban form intertwine, creating an environment where the past feels vividly alive. His fascination reflects the way architecture can act as a vessel of memory and meaning, turning everyday strolls into immersive journeys through time and artistry.

When he shifts to London, Treacy again highlights the city’s connection to the past, calling it “evocative of other eras.” London’s architecture, with its mixture of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and modern influences, creates a sense of temporal layering that stirs the imagination. It is a city where historical resonance is built into the streets and skyline—an atmosphere that inspires both nostalgia and creativity.

Ultimately, Treacy’s quote reveals how deeply place, design, and history affect him not just as a traveler but as a creative mind. His passion for cities like Rome and London underscores the emotional and aesthetic impact of historic architecture—how it doesn't just house our past, but continually shapes our sense of wonder, beauty, and identity in the present.