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 Under the sea....... |
2 Viale Gadio Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 02 88 46 57 50 http://www.acquariocivico.mi.it/ |
The building was constructed for the International Exposition of 1906 and designed by Architect Sebastiano Locati. In Liberty style, the Station houses forms and decorations of an aquatic theme in "Maiolica". Damaged in 1943, during the war, the building remains intact thanks to diverse restorations. At the borders of Sempione Park (which reflect the architectural symmetry), rises the Civic Arena. One of the oldest in the world, the Aquarium houses 36 tanks with 100 species of aquatic animals: fish, shellfish, molluscs, spiny invertebrates represent the Mediterranean, the Italian fresh-water fauna, and the tropical water animals. In the posterior gardens, currently under reconstruction, Milanese aquatic environments have been reconstructed, including the surging fountain, the pond, the spring, the marsh, the hollow and the courtyard. The media library and library, dedicated to aquatic science, offer 10,000 books, 14,500 extracts, 718 periodicals, 250 videocassettes, 600 slides, and scholarly collections on fish and molluscs. Institute publications, scientific journal: "Quaderni della stazione idrobiologica di Milano". There are specific educational activities organized for scholars. Special interest: "Malacologica" Collection with over 35,000 samples. Admission: free. Currently under restoration, it will be reopened to the public in 2006. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Where the imperial games took place |
5 Via Vigna Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
The Circus was the major building In Roman cities and invested with military importance. In northern Italy, only Aquileia and Milan - both imperial cities - had one. The Circus was the only opportunity the emperor had of showing himself to the people and of receiving honours and homage. Milan's Roman circus occupied a vast area between what are now Via del Torchio, Via Cappuccio, Corso Magenta, Via Brisa and Via Morigi. It was 450 metres long by 80 metres wide and probably built by Emperor Maximian in the 4th c. AD in the wide bed of the river Nirone next to the imperial district. Today, only a few blocks of the foundations of the stands remain (found in the cellars of some houses in Via Cappuccio and Via Morigi) and some parts of the hollow brick and pebble conglomerate elevations in Via Vigna. The nucleus of the square tower used as a bell-tower in the Monastero Maggiore has been recognised as Roman. This was one of the two towers that closed the body at the head of the Circus from which the 2 wheeled chariots taking part in races exited. The bracket with acanthus leaf decorations seen on one side of the tower is all that remains of the decorations of the Roman building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Triumphal gate |
Piazza Sempione Milan, Milan 20121 Italy |
With the fortifications for Castello Sforzesco destroyed in 1801 under Napoleon's instructions, a large space was created for the Piazza Sempione but a monumental construction was also required to mark the entrance to the city. The arch was begun in 1807 in honour of Napoleon and only finished in 1838 (for the occasion of the coronation of Ferdinando I as King of Lombardy-Venetia.) by the neoclassical architect Luigi Cagnola, inspired by Settimo Severo's arch in Rome. The result was a structure involving three colossal Corinthian columns with isolated customs boxes either side. The arch is made of granite from Baveno and adorned with marble from Crevola di Ossola, surmounted by the famous 'sestiga della pace' (the work of Abbondio Sangiorio) and by four statues of victorious men on horseback. On the trabeation the four rivers of Lombardy-Venetia are featured: the Po, the Ticino, the Adige and the Tagliamento) surrounded by bas-reliefs that feature episodes from the Restoration. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The walls of Roman Milan |
15 Corso Magenta Cortile del Civico Museo Archeologico Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 8645 0011 |
In the 4th c. AD, Emperor Maximian made two expansions to the 1st c. BC Roman walls to encircle two new areas of the city. The most complete section of the addition to the walls on the west side can be seen in the garden of the Archaeological Museum (the ex-Monastero Maggiore). Here you can see the Asperto tower (named after the 9th c.Bishop Ansperto who was considered for centuries to have had it built) made from a pebble based cement and brick lining. It has 24 sides and is probably still as high as it was originally (17 metres). It is one of the few visible Roman monuments that has remained whole to the present day. A second, square tower stands in the museum's courtyard that was renovated in the Middle Ages. It was turned into the bell-tower for the monastery. It was also one of the two towers in the body of the construction at one end of the Roman circus from where the 2-wheeled chariots exited in races during the Imperial era. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Historic bank |
3 Piazza Tommaso Edison Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) http://www.bancaditalia.it/ |
Designed by Luigi Broggi between 1907 and 1912, this building is characterized by a monumental style with a markedly nationalistic decorative, rhetoric flavour. Built in cooperation with Giuseppe Nava, in line with the culture of the Brera Arts Academy at which Broggi was a professor, this building was one of the first to be constructed in this area of the city that would eventually become the business district. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Splendid Romanic church |
15 Piazza Sant'Ambrogio Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 8645 0895 http://santambrogio-basilica.it/ |
The basilica of St. Ambrogio is the 'symbolic' church of the city which was originally built in 379 on the tombs of St. Gervasio and St. Protasio. A presbytery and a monastery have also been built on this site in the course of centuries, which have seen different constructions up to the end of the twelth century, including the construction of the Canonici bell tower (on the right) and the older one of the Monaci (on the left of the facade). The Romanesque facade is one of the greatest examples of Lombard period architecture. The interior is made up of a long body with three aisles which open on to secondary spaces and extremely interesting chapels. The chapels date back to the later time of the Sforzo dynasty (end of the 15th century and early 16th century). The presbytery and cloisters of the convent are built according to a design by Bramante. Also to be noted are the ciborium, the gold altar and paleochristian mosaics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Luigi Broggi's Project |
20 Via Matteo Bandello Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
This house was designed by Luigi Broggi in 1882-1885 for the Candiani family, renowned manufacturers of terracotta items. The nature of the family business can be seen from the richly decoration façade, which is a remarkable example of how this traditional Lombard building material can be used. The façade, with rich Renaissance-style decorations, has a characteristic angular depression within which the entrance is located. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former castle dating from the 14th century |
Castello Sforzesco Milan, Milan 20100 Italy +39 2 8846 3700 http://www.milanocastello.it/i... |
Built in 1368 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to defend the city from attack, the castle was enlarged by military architect Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian Galeazzo. Destroyed in 1447, it was rebuilt between 1450 and 1500 and enlarged under Francesco Sforza's rule. In 1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained its military function and, after successive transformations, eventually fell into ruin. Rebuilt in the late 1900s, from 1893 onwards the castle gradually became home to various cultural institutions and art collections and remains so today. Guided tours are available. Admission: Free, Admission to the Museum: EUR 3. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bramante and Muzio |
1 Largo Fra Agostino Gemelli Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 7 2341 http://www.unicatt.it/ |
In Largo Agostino Gemelli next to the Piazza Sant'Ambrogio and the Tempio della Vittoria the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is housed. The building which emerged from the remains of the former Sant'Ambrogio monastery, was designed by Bramato in 1497. The two splendid cloisters of the four required by renaissance architecture were built under the direction of I due splendidi Cristoforo Solari, whilst the majestic refectory, today the main school room, dates back to the 16th century which holds the vast fresco by Callisto Piazza of the 'Weddings of Cana'. With the suppression of the monastery in 1797, this large building became a army barracks and military hospital until 1921 when the Catholic University was founded. Its current aspect is the work of Giovanni Muzio who worked on this large site between 1929 and 1949: as well as restoring the cloisters and building the entrance to the building with brick paraments, he designed the two boys' colleges on Via Necchi, with class rooms overlooking Via Lanzone, the Psychology institue and the refectory. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Renaissance church |
15 Corso Magenta Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
This church was built in 1503 by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono. The facade, erected between 1574 and 1581, was completed in 1872 by Angelo Colla. There are three floors inside with nineteeth century frescoes on the sides of the loggias and the naves. The internal facade also includes frescoes by Simone Peterzano. In the third chapel on the left, there is a nun's choirbox made in wood by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono in 1500 with an extremely fine organ in the centre made in 1554 by Gian Giacomo Antegnani and painted in tempera by Francesco Medici. There are also frescoes on the walls by Bernardino, Aurelio and Giovan Pietro Luini. Do not miss the frescoes by Bernardino Luini painted from 1522 to 1529. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mauro Pipponzi |
 Photo: Delphine Ménard |
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Archeological Museum |
15 Corso Magenta Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 8645 0011 |
The museum is located in the rooms of the former Maggiore Monastery. It houses prehistoric, Greek, Etrusian, and Roman relics mainly recovered from the Milan underground during the excavations for the metro line. Of particular interest is the antique tract of Roman wall erected by the Emperor Massimiano Erculeo in 236-305 D.C. In the central entrance to the cloister is the "Masso di Borno", a large stone recovered in Val Camonica with carvings that date back to III millennium A.C. There is a bookstore and a library, and museum publications are available to visitors. Admission is free. Guided tours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art collection in the Castello Sforzesco |
Castello Sforzesco Milan 20121 Italy +39 028693071 |
In the Castello Sforzesco, the Collections are located in the two passageways that extend from the Duke's Court to the Rocchetta. The Applied Art Collection includes twenty Italian and foreign collections and is the most complete and important collection of its kind in Italy. Formed in late nineteenth century as a catalogue of historical models for various factories, it subsequently was enriched with pieces of great importance such as "Arazzi Trivulzio" acquired in 1935, and with the addition of approximately 650 musical instruments donated by Natale Gallini in 1958. Guided tours, museum publications, library, photographic archives. The grandiose ballroom, once, home to the Duke's parties and games of "pallacorda"; the "Arazzi dei mesi" (tapestry of the months) designed by Bartolomeo Suardi known as il Bramantino and frames prepared by Bernardino da Milano are all of special interest. The prestigious 17th century "liuteria" (lutes) made by artists such as Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient art in the Castello Sforzesco |
Castello Sforzesco Castello Sforzesco Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 2 86 1125 |
In the Castello Sforzesco, this museum displays Ancient Art, in the Duke's Court, housing ancient Christian, Longobardi, Roman, and Gothic relics, including the sepulchre of Bernabò Visconti. Of interest are the sculpture sections with works by Bonino Da Campione, Giovanni Pisano, Agostino di Duccio, Mantegazza, Michelozzo, Bambaia and Leone Leoni. In the picture gallery there are approximately two hundred paintings among which: "Madonna with child" and the "Poet Laureat" by G. Bellini. Of special interest is the sculpture "Pietà Rondanini" by Michelangelo. A curiosity: uncovered on the first floor of the Falconiera Tower, the first room (today "sala Carlo Tosi") was the old matrimonial room in the Duke's apartment. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the original furnishings. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Trains, boats and more......... |
21 Via San Vittore Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 481 6885 |
The main nucleus that developed around two twin cloisters was built by an ancient Benedictine Monastery which passed to the Olivetani order in 1500. Restructured with the help of Lombardi industrialists, it has housed the Museum since 1953. The Museum has developed in three buildings and three distinct parts: Monuments, Rail Transport, and Maritime Transport, including sections dedicated to fabric production, metallurgy, motors, transport, telecommunication, astronomy and information. Located in the same building that hosts the Museum of Science and Technology, it conserves history and technology of naval art over the century. Included are mercantile ship models, warship models, relics, models on the evolution of the Italian Navy from the XV Century. Special interest: the Venetian "Bucintoro" and the "tenda rossa" (red curtain) from the polar expedition with the "Italia" blimp driven by General Nobile. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neoclassical sports grounds |
2 Viale Giorgio Byron Milan, Milan 20154 Italy +39 2 34 1924 |
Deliberately located in the restructured Castello Sforzesco area in order to provide a stable home for festivities and celebratory events for the Repubblica Cisalpina and the new Regno d'Italia, the Arena Civica was designed by The neoclassical architect Luigi Canonica in 1805 at the north eastern end of the Parco Sempione. Built with materials taken from the castle ruins and modelled on Roman amphitheatres, the Arena has an elliptic floor with four main entrances: to the south-east stands the Triumphal Arch in granite framed with two pairs of golden columns; opposite this is the Porta delle Carceri flanked by two towers, as found in roman models. On the north eastern side is the Porta Libitinaria and on the south west the Loggia Reale which has a monlithic Corinthian column in granite. Now used as a sports ground, the elegant construction has seen some changes this century to increase spectator capacity, transforming the terraces. The characteristic curtain of trees that ran alongside the terraces was also removed and the channel that wound along the stalls and brought canal water in also allowed the passage of famous 'naumachie'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A conventional convent? |
Via Cappuccio Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
This ancient convent for nuns in the Umiliate order was founded in the second half of the 12th century on the site of the Roman arena. Of the original building, all that remains is the 15th century courtyard (restored in 1920), a typical example of claustral architecture of that period. The Umiliati order was suppressed by Carlo Borromeo in 1571 because it did not adhere entirely to the indications decreed by the Council of Trent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former city port |
Ripa di Porta Ticinese Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
The small lake of Darsena, next to the Porta Ticinese, is all that remains of the complex system of canals and rivers which have crossed the city of Milan since Roman times. The Naviglio Grande which ran from Abbiategrasso,ran into this lake, as well as the Pavese canal which joins it at the junction of the Ticino and the Olona river which today runs underground. La Darsena was built in 1603 by the Spanish governor the Count of Fuentes. It was there that cargoes were loaded and unloaded from the barges which reached the city via the Lombardian rivers. It found its present form in 1920 when, with the demolition of the Spanish ramparts it was expanded and the long commercial quay was constructed along Via D'Annunzio where on Saturday the traditional Sinigaglia market takes place. It was through the Darsena that the regional canals were linked up with the city system, enabling and developing the commercial and artisanal activity of the city. The city centre was thus linked by a water network to the Ticino, the Adda to the sea and the great lakes of Lombardy Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fermin Uribetxebarria - mcfer2k |
 Photo: lawcs |
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 Photo: Martin Lissmyr |
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Where musicians found repose |
24 Piazza Michelangelo Buonarroti Milan 20149 Italy +39 2 499 6009 http://www.casaverdi.org/ |
Designed by Camillo Boito from 1895-1899, this building was originally conceived for a pentagonal plot. The acquisition of new building areas led to a modification of the original design, which, as a result, lost its previously rigorously symmetrical plan. Nevertheless, the building represents one of the most significant creations of the period. In Neo-Gothic style, reflecting Boito's ambition to create a piece of 'national architecture', it consists of various pavilions organized around a central courtyard. The main building, containing offices and utilities, consists of three floors with double-arched windows in stone, and a large three-light window over the portal. Various modifications performed in 1936 partly altered the proportions of the buildings in the interior courtyard. Feature of interest : On the same axis as the entrance, there is a crypt containing the tombs of Giuseppe Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi, with mosaics by L. Pogliani. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Greek Orthodox Church |
19 Via Romolo Gessi Milan, Milan 20146 Italy +39 2 498 9323 |
The Orthodox Church is the Catholic Church of the east and professes the Orthodox Catholic faith. The word orthodox is of Greek origin and means honest faith, honest praise. Orthodox Christians are Catholic Christians from the Undivided Church before the schism of the west, at a time when the east and west were still united in a single faith. The Orthodox faith, once limited to a few countries in eastern Europe is now present in almost all western countries. The Greek Orthodox Church is the youngest of the Orthodox churches and is present in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden and was founded by the Church of true Orthodox Christians in Greece. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Laugier cum laude!! |
96 Corso Magenta Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 7252 4301 (l'ufficio turistico) |
This house was built between 1905 and 1906 by Antonio Tagliaferri, just behind the newly-demolished Spanish walls. The style is a combination of Viennese architecture and more traditional styles. The most important companies and contractors of Milan worked on this building. Built for the upper middle classes in Milan, it is a typical example of the second wave of Art Nouveau that hit the city. A feature of interest is the the pharmacy on the corner which has preserved its original interior. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Collection of art by Minguzzi |
11 Via Palermo Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 2 3656 5440 http://www.lucianominguzzi.it/ |
The Museum is located in a four storey 17th-century building. Completely renovated, it houses the works of Minguzzi on the lower floor, in the area which was once used to conserve ice. The Museum hosts sculptures, models, and works by the Bolognese Artist from the 1930s to 1997. One finds works dedicated to the themes of civilization and to the men of the "Lager" (concentration camp prisoners). A special feature are the wood panels which reproduce the door of Good and Evil from Saint Peter's Cathedral at Rome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For kids to learn and have fun |
18 Via Matteo Bandello Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 (0)2 4398 0402 http://www.muba.it/ |
This museum was opened in Milan in 1995 with an extremely successful exhibition for the Milan triennial, called 'Money'. It is modelled on the American and North European style of museums where children can touch the art, the words and the sounds. There are also learning centres and temporary displays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Works by Leonardo di Vinci |
2 Piazza Santa Maria Delle Grazie Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 8942 1146 http://www.cenacolovinciano.org/ |
The Museum occupies the antique rooms of the Rectory annexed to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the inside back walls, Leonardo da Vinci painted, from 1495 to 1497, the famous Last Supper. The painting technique used by the artist as well as environmental conditions, have made the work very difficult to conserve. It has recently been re-opened after a very long, delicate and controversial restoration. Payment is with credit card only. Admission: EUR 8 (with reservation). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Antique musical instruments |
Castello Sforzesco Milan 20121 Italy +39 02874546 http://www.galleriaborghese.it... |
The Museum of Musical Instruments, in the Castello Sforzesco, conserves approximately 650 pieces and a vast exotic grouping from outside of Europe. The Museum is concerned with the production of musical instruments from 1500 to 1800. The first section is dedicated to cord instruments, even though it includes antique 700s "spinettes" as well. Then there are the bow instruments with the standing viola and the "viole d'amore" (viola of love) (so named for the double number of cords that vibrate pleasantly), guitars, mandarins, prestigious 600s lutes from Cremona. Then there is a vast selection of wind instruments and the last section dedicated to popular music with examples of African and Asian instruments. Throughout the Museum are keyboard instruments that do not yet have a definitive location. Of special interest are the lutes represented by pieces from Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari and small pocket-sized violins called "pochettes", among which an example from the 500s. Admission: EUR 3 per person, Friday after 2p Free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Leonardo di Vinci gallery |
21 Via San Vittore Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 48 5551 http://www.museoscienza.org |
Founded in 1953, this museum includes 28 distinct galleries dedicated to all aspects of science and technology, including the spectacular collection on the creations of Leonardo da Vinci. From transportation to astronomy to modern high technology, the scope of this museum ranks it among the most important in the world. A fascinating look into the physical sciences. Admission: EUR 8, EUR 6 (under 18 & students). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Ostrowsky |
 Photo: PiGsty |
 Photo: Ben Zibble |
 Photo: PiGsty |
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Early 20th century residence |
28 Via Legnano Milan, Milan 20121 Italy |
Designed by Gaetano Moretti in 1903, this is an interesting example of how the International Style reached Milan in the early years of the 20th century. Built in a sober, simple style, the house consists of a ground floor in rusticated ashlar, and three other floors featuring geometric decorations in stone and graffito-work. There is a clear influence of Otto Wagner's Viennese school. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent marble portal known as Triennale |
6 Viale Emilio Alemagna Milan, Milan 20121 Italy |
The historic seat of the Triennale institution was designed by Giovanni Muzio in 1932-33. The building consists of a series of halls for temporary exhibitions, laid out in a series of separate volumes that end in a large semi-circular building housing the theatre. The entrance, with its distinctive marble portal, generates an impression of monumentality by means of the proportions and the contrast with the brickwork. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Filippo Aroffo |
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Residence of the ancient nobility |
8 Piazza Borromeo Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
A palace dating to the early 15th century, it belonged to one of the most important families of Milan's nobility. It was seriously damaged during the 1943 bombing raids, and was later restored. The basic structure, which has in part survived, consists of two successive courtyards, which preserve extensive sections of the original construction. The façade facing Piazza Borromeo also preserves the ancient brick facing, with the original 15th-century portal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: afrabra |
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Begun in the 17th Century |
24 Corso Magenta Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
This building was begun in 1648 by Francesco Maria Richini for the President of the Senate of Milan, Count Bartolomeo Arese, and it was later acquired by Dukes Litta Visconti Arese. The façade today is exactly as it was when it was built, between 1752 and 1763, by Francesco Bolli. Two wings and two floors frame the higher central volume with giant strip pilasters, with window surrounds and secondary portal alongside the main entrance. In 1873 it became the head office of a private rail company, and today it is a management office for the Italian State Railways. Inside, the courtyard with its colonnade leads to the monumental staircase with three ramps, designed by Carlo Giuseppe Merlo and dating to 1740. Worth visiting are the "Salotto Rosso", the "Sala degli Specchi" and the "Salotto della Duchessa", which conserve original 18th-century draperies, stuccoes and paintings by Martin Knoller and Giuseppe Agostino Gerli. Feature of interest: The grotesque masks on the façade. Visiting times: On request to the "Direzione Compartimentale delle Ferrovie dello Stato". Review © 2007, Wcities |
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16th Century palazzo |
19 Via San Maurilio Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
A building that underwent a great deal of modification, it was identified in 1976. It belongs to the new wave of city architecture promoted by the pro-French areas of power in the early decades of the 16th century. The architectural programme is based on the artistic work of Cesariano and Cristoforo Solari, and possibly that of Luini, and it became the epitome of new classical culture. A location for the highest echelons of humanism, it belonged to Giovan Angelo Salvatico: the palazzo represents a combination of "ancient" motifs (the octagonal atrium with light from above) and solutions devised by the Rome architect Bramante (such as the use of the Doric order in the inner courtyard). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eclectic nobiliary abode |
36 Via Giosuè Carducci Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
A typical example of work by the Coppedè brothers, the building was constructed in 1915. Contained in a basically cubic volume, it is distinctive for its 'Guelph'-type tower opposite the Medieval city gate. On the corner, a large enclosed loggia houses a bar-café, while the entire building is decorated with inserts in artificial stone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seat of learning |
Piazza San Sepolcro Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
Houses the Gallery and Library, two very important institutions in the city. Founded by Federico Borromeo as a centre for counter-reform culture, it gradually accumulated numerous collections of art and books. From the first nucleus, facing Piazza S. Sepolcro, the institution expanded to occupy the entire block. Feature of interest: The immense collection of the library includes the Codice Atlantico by Leonardo da Vinci. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Near San Lorenzo Cathedral |
Parco delle Basiliche Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
The park backs onto the San Lorenzo Cathedral and encompasses a surface area of 40,000 square metres. In ancient times, several waterways met in this area and then flowed into the canal. From 1000 to 1814, for eight centuries, the gallows of Milan towered here; above the Vettabia canal there was the bridge Dei Sospiri (of sighs), where those condemned to be hanged passed. It was the zone where hide tanners called vetraschi had their workshops, and from which came the name of the square. The park, planned after the war by architects Bagatti Valsecchi and Grandi, is surrounded by animated bars which, in the summer, are ideal for an outdoor aperitif. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Gae Aulenti and Claes Oldenburg in Milan |
Piazzale Luigi Cadorna Milan, Milan Italy |
Once an unstructured space between Castello Sforzesco and the Magenta district, Piazzale Cadorna has become a new port of entry to the city. Now it is dominated by the ugly mass of the Cadorna station where thousands of commuters are disgorged into the city each morning. In 1998, the railway company and Milan City Council commissioned Gae Aulenti to reorganise the area. The operation rationalised the road system with traffic dividers created by water tanks, and created a vast pedestrian area for train passengers partly covered by aluminium and glass structures joined to the station facade. The attractive forest of red pillars, the water that flows from the beams of the platform roof, and the transparent covers bring to mind a 19th century covered market. They are part of a courageous an interesting architectural project initiated by the city and crowned by the majestic sculpture of Claes Oldenburg and Coosije van Bruggen. It is an enormous steel needle 18 meters tall wrapped in a highly colored glass resin that gives a new vital identity to the square and around which the life of the square revolves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luca Zappa |
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Archeological Museum |
Castello Sforzesco Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 2 6208 3931 |
Building work on the castle went on from 1450 to 1550 under the authority of the Sforza family of Milan. In obedience to the will of Franceso Sforza the reconstruction and extension of the old fortress called 'di Porta Giovia' was carried out, erected between the walls of the city and the canals, by what is Rocchetta today. The fortress is a square shape, about 200 metres each side, with four angular towers and a dividing moat. It has been transformed over a number of years with the addition of other, mostly richly decorated, towers to satisfy the demands of the residents, the most important being the Filarete. At the end of the 1440's Ludovico il Moro involved Leonardo and Bramante in the building works. When the Sforzo family lost power in the 1500's the castle was taken over by the military, and after being used for several purposes eventually fell into ruin. In 1893, thanks to the architect Beltrami and ten years of work, the castle was restored and various cultural objects and paintings were gathered here and put on display. It was renovated after the war by the BBPR studio (the architects Banfi, Barbiano Peresutti and Rogers) as part of an initiative to restore public museums. Entrance Fee: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Another way into the city |
41 Via Giosuè Carducci Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
This was built in 1939 by Gino Chierici, in imitation of a defensive gate in the ancient walls dating to 1171. The original materials were re-used in the two towers of different heights. The tabernacle with saints Ambrogio, Gervasio and Protasio were sculpted by craftsmen from Campione, coming from the hospital of Sant'Ambrogio founded by Galeazzo II Visconti, in the mid 15th century. Today the building houses the 'Museo della Pusterla', with a permanent exhibition of criminology and antique weapons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tyler Palmer |
 Photo: Marc Lambrechts |
 Photo: Andrzej Otrebski |
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Archeological remains |
Viale Sant' Ignazio da Laconi Milan, Cagliari 09123 Italy +39 70 65 2956 http://www.anfiteatroromano.it/ |
Milan's Roman amphitheatre, built between the first and second centuries B.C., was one of the old town's most imposing buildings; on festive occasions around 35,000 people would congregate to watch the bloody spectacles. Christianity put an end to the pagan festivities and at the end of the 4th century the amphitheatre began to be demolished and the stone was used for other buildings, some of which has been found in the foundations of the nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo. From the immense building of elliptic plans with aces of 155 and 125 metres and with the main body over 30m high only traces of the concrete foundations remain that support the elliptic structure that surrounded the games area. The rest, which will soon form part of an archaeological park that will allow a more closer visit are currently visible from the railings along via De Amicis. A brief pause here will allow you to appreciate the exceptional dimensions of Milan's public roman building now hidden by centuries of construction and demolition that have characterised the city's building works. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The palace of Emperor Maximian |
Via Brisa Milan, Milan 20123 Italy |
Built by Emperor Maximian in the 4th c. AD when Milan was the capital of the Roman empire in the West, the imperial palace occupied a huge area between what are now Via Meravigli and Via Torino. The only remains of the huge building are to be seen in Via Brisa. It was during demolition work following WW2 that parts of the foundations and of the elevation were found but it was thought originally that they belonged to a baths complex. Now they are considered to have been part of the official section of Maximian's palace. The central plan building is made up of 3 series of small apsed rooms that open onto the sides of a large round hall (once surrounded by columns) which was reached via a rectangular atrium. The remains are worthy of a brief pause, not so much for what they are, but for the fact that are representative of a glorious past. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bramante and Leonardo in Milan (Last Supper) |
2 Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie Milan 20123 Italy |
Commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte Solari, this building was intended as a mausoleum for the Sforzesco dynasty, in which the remains of the duke and his wife, Beatrice d'Este, as well as others connected with the family, were to be laid to rest. The adjoining Dominican convent's cloister and sacristy were later renovated by Bramante. The refectory walls are home to Leonardo da Vinci's(1452-1519) Last Supper. Bramante's façade is of particular interest as is the gallery's terracotta ornamentation, which became one of the dominant motifs in northern Italian Renaissance architecture. Guests must book in advance. Admission: EUR 8 (with reservation). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tyler Palmer |
 Photo: Brian Vargas |
 Photo: Christopher Tweed |
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Ancient romanic church |
7 Piazza San Simpliciano Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 (0)2 869 0683 (per concerti) |
This church features Roman architecture, partly changed by modern interventions. However, San Simpliciano has kept part of the old walls of the Basilica Virginum, which existed in the 4th century. Begun by Bishop Ambrogio and finished by his successor Simplciano as a place to keep the relics of the saints, Martirio, Sisino and Alessandro and Simpliciano himself, the structure is built using the famous latin cross design. The current building has three naves of equal height and a semicircular apse with frescoes of the Coronation of Mary, by Bergognone. This is also a popular concert venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wookieonair |
 Photo: Gianluca Fabrizio |
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Church and monastery |
25 Piazza San Vittore Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 4800 5351 |
This old, early Christian basilica is one of the oldest buildings in the city, built to house the relics of St.Vittore and St. Satiro. There are remains of the Oratorio of St. Martino ad Corpus (destroyed in 700), as well as the octagonal mausoleum of St. Gregorio, even featured in some views from the 16th century, which testifies to it's antiquity. The octagonal martyrium is also a prototype of the flourishing and vast spread of the ambrosian baptistry style. The building of the new olivetano complex began in 1508, while the church began to be rebuilt in 1560. It is difficult to say who designed it, views on this range from Galeazzo Alessi and Vincenzo Seregni. The incomplete facade offers formal solutions of great interest. The ex-monastery of St. Vittore, rebuilt by the Olivetani in th 16th century is of interest, and it now houses the 'Leonardo da Vinci' Museum of Science and Technology in addition to being one of the most interesting monastic structures of the first half of the 16th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient church in the historic Brera area |
2 Piazza del Carmine Milan, Milan 20121 Italy +39 2 8646 3365 http://www.chiesadelcarmine.it |
At the entrance to the historic Brera quarter is the church dedicated to S. Maria del Carmine. It was built in 1400 for Gian Galeazzo Visconti on an old Carmelite instituition which was abandoned because of the neighbouring castle in construction. Planned by Bernado da Venezia according to a typical square design, already used by the architect for the church del Carmine di Pavia, the building had many interruptions that lasted until 1456 with the intervention of Pietro Solari. Transformed in the Baroque era, the church was brought back to gothic form by the radical intervention of the architects Giuseppe Pestagalli (1826-39) and Carlo Maciachini (1880) who also planned the facade, and Ambrogio Annoni in 1912. Inside the church, the sculptures, paintings and wooden inlay from the 15th-17th centuries, are all of note and there are two surviving cloisters in which fragments of roman and medieval sculptures can be found as well as parts from the fifteenth century which come from sepulchral monuments which were once in the church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eneko Ametzaga |
 Photo: M. Luisa Spagnuolo |
 Photo: principemm |
 Photo: Stefano Fassone |
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Masterpiece by Bramante |
3 Via Speronari Milan, Milan 20123 Italy +39 2 87 4683 |
This extremely famous church is linked to the name of Bramante. In actual fact, nearby S. Satiro has a much older foundation which was influenced by Bishop Ansperto and generally dates from the 9th century. However, the old building is almost unrecognisable following the works of the renaissance period and the nineteenth restorations. The design of the church is attributed to Bramante who presence on the site is documented in 1478. The church occupies a plot of land delineated by what is Via Torino and Via del Falcone today, an old district of the Visconti-Sforzesca era. The choir-stall is particularly original as it is small yet very deep. On the left side of the transept is a chapel 'della Pieta' where there is a Greek cross contained in a cylinder by Bramante which one can admire from Via del Falcone. There is the famous model group in the inside in polychrome terracotta, which is the work of Agostino de Fondulis (1482-83), who also made the terracotta decorations of the sacristy and dome. The sacristy is an octagonal building, by Bramante which is reached by a small hall from the right nave modified in the 19th century. This interesting building was one of the highlights of Bramante's work, evidence of which is all over the Duchy of Sforzesco. The 'caged' church exterior is a result of the later buildings which do not allow a wide view of the church, nonetheless the facade can be seen from Via del Falcone as planned by Bramante. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Wilson |
 Photo: Yu |
 Photo: Aye Cofalka |
 Photo: towne |
 Photo: Michael Delli Carpini |
 Photo: Marg. Voulgaropoulou |
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Park near the old square |
Parco Sempione Milan, Milan 20121 Italy |
The Park occupies the place of the ancient Piazza d'Armi. It was initiated in 1980 according to the designs of Architect Alemagna. It is a Romantic style park with English style organization. It became, from the time of its opening, a centre of public initiative for expositions, such as the re-uniting Exhibition of 1894 and the International Exhibition of 1906 from which remains the functioning Aquarium pavilion. At its borders rises the Art Palace, built in 1931 by design of Architect Giovanni Muzio, the centre of the Triennial of Milan and the Park Towers, planned in 1933 by Giò Ponti. It is bordered by the Castle, the arena, the Peace Arch, and the North Railway yard. Special Interest: The fountain "dei Bagni Misteriosi", by the painter De Chirico and the mermaid bridge, in cast iron, transported to the park when the Canal was closed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Perez Rio |
 Photo: kockas |
 Photo: Alberto Roseo |
 Photo: giusec |
 Photo: Marco Cassè |
 Photo: Alessandro Vecchi |
 Photo: Bryan Allison |
 Photo: Ryan Shelton |
 Photo: latigi |
 Photo: Giovanni Mitolo |
 Photo: Rodrigo Schmidt |
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 Photo: Vania Benetton |
 Photo: Andrea Bolognese |