The Beauties of Italy — Milano
Traveling
The second-largest city in Italy, Milan is also the capital of the Lombardy region. The population of the city is close to 1,300,000 people. Milan, a significant worldwide economic and industrial center, is the sixth biggest city in the world and the third largest in Europe in terms of its potential to attract foreign money. Milan is also the sixth largest city in terms of population. Milan is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most important financial centers, making it a top destination for several global corporations. Because of its location in the western section of Lombardy and its proximity to Lambro, Olona, and Seveso rivers and the various Navigli canals, this area is where a significant number of highways are essential on a regional, national, and international scale intersect.
Ancient Celtic tribes from Insubria in Gaul are credited with founding the city. Subsequent invaders included the Ostrogoths, the Lombards, and the Franks. As time passed, the newly established kingdom became more significant. The Universal Exhibition was a significant event for its time and place in Milan in 1906.
Milan had an era of growth and prosperity in the decades leading up to the war. As a result of its status as the economic and financial capital of Italy, as well as the location of the leading Italian stock exchange, Milan emerged as one of Italy’s most important industrial centers in the decades after World War II. Up to the year 1970, it was primarily an industrial city and an important financial center. Subsequently, the number of manufacturing industries in the city decreased, and several avenues of service development were established. It was in the 1980s that Milan earned its reputation as the “city of fashion.” Milan is now considered one of the world’s fashion capitals, along with Paris.
Milan is also an important cultural hub. Churches, some of which are pretty spectacular, historical structures and locations, monuments and outdoor sculptures, art galleries and museums, libraries, academies, universities, and theaters are just a few of the places you will be able to see and enjoy here. The cuisine of Milan is known for its high level of excellence. Most of Milan’s restaurants, and many people regard Milan as having the most excellent restaurants of any city in Italy. Several restaurants serving cuisines from other cultures have opened their doors, providing diners with an option for classic Italian fare.
It would seem that the Romanian visitors to Milan’s Duomo are most interested in seeing the Cathedral there. On the other hand, Milan has a lot more to offer in terms of attractions, and it is not dependent on any one structure in particular. You can take in all of these during a city break in Milan, and if you have additional time, you can take a trip and attempt to explore the surrounding areas, which include a few places that are incredibly stunning, such as Bergamo, Turin, Brescia, or Como.
Additionally, Milan has a tremendous sports heritage. AC Milan and Inter Milan are the only two football teams in European football history to have won the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. Milan is the only city in Europe to hold this distinction. The Milan Olimpia basketball squad is one of the best in the world. Other sports with a long history in Milan include ice hockey, fencing, gymnastics, and athletics, mainly when the San Donato Milanese squad competed. This city is also the birthplace of Italian cycling.
Milan’s iconic dome, the Duomo
Milan’s Cathedral, known simply as the Duomo, can be found in the Italian city of Milan. Residence of the Archbishop of Milan and is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente.
Almost 600 years were needed to finish the construction of the Gothic Cathedral. This Cathedral has the position of the fourth biggest in the world and is the largest in Italy.
The structure of the city, which consists of streets that either run from the Duomo or surround it, demonstrates that the Duomo now sits in the location that was formerly the center of Mediolanum. On this spot in the early 5th century, the Basilica of St. Ambrose was constructed, and in the year 836, a second basilica was erected in the complex. One of the first Christian structures in Europe, the Battistero Paleocristiano, an ancient baptistery constructed in 335 and can still be viewed today, is located inside the Milan Cathedral. In 1075, a fire destroyed the Cathedral and basilica, culminating in the need to rebuild the monastery complex into what is now known as the Duomo.
Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo started the building of the Cathedral in the year 1386. The beginning of the work coincided with the rise to power in Milan of the Archbishop’s cousin, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. Visconti’s rise to power was a recompense for the classes that had suffered under the despotic rule of Barnabo, Visconti’s immediate predecessor. Before construction could begin, four significant structures had to be taken down: the Archbishop’s mansion, the Ordinary Palace, and the Baptistery of St. Stephen; also, the previous location of St. Maria Maggiore Church was turned into a stone quarry. Soon after, enthusiasm for the enormous new structure went quickly among the populace, and the astute Gian Galeazzo and his cousin, the Archbishop, gathered significant contributions for the ongoing construction project. Within the Fabbrica del Duomo, which had 300 people and was led by Simone da Orsenigo, the building timetable was rigorously monitored and adhered to. Orsenigo’s first proposal was for the Cathedral to be constructed out of Lombard Gothic brick.
Visconti had aspirations of adhering to the most recent European architectural design trends. In 1389, Nicolas de Bonaventura, an engineer from France, was hired to give the structure a French Gothic appearance, which was not particularly characteristic in Italy at the time. He concluded that the brick building needed to be covered with marble. A tax exemption was also granted to the Fabbrica del Duomo by Galeazzo when it was given the sole right to utilize marble from the Candoglia quarry. Ten years later, another French architect named Jean Mignot was called in from Paris to inject fresh life into the project. The stonemasons needed additional technical assistance to lift the stones to heights that had never been achieved before. Mignot said that all of the work done up to this point was at risk of falling to ruin since it had been done without applying “science.” Even if Mignot’s forecasts turned out to be incorrect over the next several years, he successfully motivated the engineers at Galeazzo to enhance their tools and methods. The construction moved forward at a remarkable pace, and by the time Gian Galeazzo passed away in 1402, about half of the Cathedral had been finished. Then, owing to a lack of funds and ideas, construction came to an almost complete halt until 1480; at this time, the graves of Marco Carelli and Pope Martin V (1424), as well as the apse windows, were the most important works that were completed during this time (1470).
The octagonal dome was finished between 1500 and 1510 under the leadership of Ludovico Sforza. It is adorned with four 15 sculptures showing saints, prophets, sepulchers, and other biblical characters. The outside was left unadorned for a considerable time, with the only exception being the decorations that Guglietto dell’Amadeo added between 1507 and 1510.
Giacomo Antegnati was tasked with constructing the organ in the north section of the choir in 1552. Giuseppe Meda was responsible for making four of the 16 pillars that decorated the altar.
On May 20, 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte was getting about to be proclaimed King of Italy, he ordered the facade to be constructed, which was finished seven years later. Buzzi’s design was adhered to for the most part by the new architect, Felice Soave, although she did add some neo-Gothic features to the top windows. A statue of Napoleon was erected and put atop one of the spires as a way to express gratitude for his leadership.
The construction proceeded in the following years; the sculptures on the south wall were finished, and between 1829 and 1858, new stained glass replaced the old ones, but the results were less artistically significant. Only in the 20th century were the last finishing touches added to the Cathedral; the last entrance was not opened to the public until January 6, 1965. This day is considered the completion of a process that took generations to complete, yet there are still sculptures that have not been completed as of this date.
The Scala Theater
One of the most famous opera houses in the world is the Teatro Alla Scala, sometimes known simply as La Scala, located in Milan, Italy. It first started showing performances on August 3, 1778, and its name back then was the Nuovo Regio Ducale Teatro Alla Scala. Antonio Salieri’s Europa riconosciuta was the piece that was performed at the opening ceremony.
The Teatro Alla Scala has played host to many of the world’s most celebrated vocalists, including many of Italy’s most celebrated opera performers. Even in modern times, theater is among the world’s most prestigious opera and ballet theaters. An affiliated theater school known as the Accademia Teatro Alla Scala provides students with the opportunity to get professional instruction in music, dance, choreography, and stage design.
La Scala customarily takes place on December 7, the feast day of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. Every performance has to wrap up well before midnight, and lengthy operas must begin earlier in the evening if possible.
A collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, costumes, and other materials about the Teatro Alla Scala and the history of opera are housed in the Museo Teatrale Alla Scala, accessible from the theatre foyer. La Scala also houses the Accademia d’Arti e Mestieri dello Spettacolo (Academy of Performing Arts and Crafts). Here will educate a new generation of young dancers, musicians, and technical personnel.
On February 25, 1776, a fire destroyed the previously existing theater. Ninety affluent Milanese citizens who owned palchi (private boxes) at the theater sent a letter to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria pleading their case for constructing a new theater. Giuseppe Piermarini, a neoclassical architect, offered a design, but Count Firmian did not like it and was not used (then governor of Lombardy). In 1776, Maria Theresa, the Empress of Austria, approved the second proposal. The theater got its name demolished to make way for the construction of the contemporary theater in the same spot. Pietro Marliani, Pietro Rosetti, Antonio, and Giuseppe Fe worked together over two years to construct the new theater. During that time, the church was first deconsecrated and then destroyed.
The original edifice underwent extensive renovation in 1907, at which time it was given its current look of 2,800 seats. During World War II in 1943, the theater known as La Scala was seriously destroyed by bombardment. After being torn down and reconstructed, it reopened on May 11, 1946, with a concert that would live long in the memory, led by Arturo Toscanini.
The Filarmonica della Scala was established in the year 1982. Between 2002 and 2004, the theater was the subject of a significant renovation completed in 2004. The refurbishment that was being conducted by the famous architect Mario Botta was met with opposition from preservationists because they feared historical aspects might be eliminated. However, the opera company said it was satisfied with the changes made to the structure and sound quality after the carpets were removed. These improvements were believed to have been made possible due to the enhancements to the sound quality. Riccardo Muti directed the staged production for the reopening of the opera on December 7, 2004.
Castel Sforzesco
The city of Milan, in the Italian region of Lombardy, is home to the Sforzesco Castle. Jupiter’s Gate Castle was the original name given to the structure when the Visconti constructed it in 1300. It was located outside of the medieval walls. Francesco Sforza decided to transform the building into a dwelling after it had been partially destroyed during the “Oro Repubblica” (1447–1450) conflict. He did this by renovating the structure. The castle underwent many transformations during each transition in rule, including expansions and reconstructions. Brunelleschi and Leonardo are only two of the many famous painters whose work may be seen throughout the castle. The architect Luca Beltrami is primarily responsible for giving it the appearance you may see now.
Castello Sforzesco is a significant landmark in Milan’s history. It was once a formidable fortress, the home of the Visconti and the Sforza families and the barracks for the city. Today, it serves as a museum. Although it is the most significant civic monument of the Renaissance period in Lombardy, it has marks of previous eras.
The castle is a work of art in and of itself; it spans an area of 800 square meters, is constructed of brick, and has corner towers, three courtyards, battlements, and valuable artworks inside its walls.
The castle is an actual fortification, housing several museums and extensive art treasures from antiquity.
Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery in Milan
Occupies four levels of a structure in the city center. The Galleria was given its name in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first ruler of the Italian Kingdom. The idea was first thought of in the year 1861. The architect Giuseppe Mengoni Bologna was responsible for constructing the eclectic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which was completed between 1864 and 1878. The gallery has a length of 196 meters along the north-south axis and a length of 105.5 meters along the east-west axis; its width is 14.50 meters; its height ranges from 21 meters to a maximum of 47 meters at the central dome, and its height is 21 meters.
The Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala, two of Milan’s most recognizable attractions, are connected by the Galleria. During the sixties of the previous century, the floor was given a makeover. The gallery is home to several upscale retail establishments, including restaurants, bars, cafés, and booksellers, which draw both locals and visitors.
Milan’s famous Arch of Peace
Behind the Castello Sforzesco is where you will find Milan’s famous Arch of Peace, also known as L’Arco Della Pace. It rises sharply from the middle of Piazza Sempione. The construction of the monument, intended to be a tribute to the achievements of Emperor Napoleon, was started in 1807 by the architect Luigi Cagnola but was halted after the Battle of Waterloo.
In 1826, the Emperor of Austria, Francis, decided to finish the construction and dedicate the monument to the cause of peace. Francis London and Peverelli Francesco were the ones in possession of the work when Luigi Cagnola died away in 1833. On September 10, 1838, the monument was formally opened to the public.
Neoclassical architecture was used in the construction of this building, which stands at the height of 25 meters and is adorned with marble statues and Corinthian columns.
The Central Station in Milan
Milano Centrale is not only the most important railroad hub in Milan, Italy but also one of the most important railroad hubs in all of Europe. This terminal station was officially opened in 1931 to replace the older Central Station, which had been constructed in 1864. The older station was a transit hub that had reached its capacity due to the increased traffic volume resulting from the Simplon Tunnel’s opening in 1906.
In 1864, the square that is today known as Piazza Della Repubblica served as the location for the opening of Milan’s first-ever central station. It was conceived by the French architect Louis-Jules Bouchot, and its architectural style is evocative of buildings constructed in Paris during that period. On April 28, 1906, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy was responsible for laying the foundation stone for the new station.
Construction moved along exceptionally slowly due to the economic crisis during the First World War. As a result, the project, which was initially very straightforward, was altered to become more intricate and magnificent. This was particularly the case when Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister and wanted the structure to embody the authority of the Fascist administration. At that time, the building was known as the Palazzo Venezia.
The station is home to 24 different lines. Around 320,000 people enter and exit the station daily, using around 500 trains. Both domestic and international transportation lines use the station. Bern, Lugano, Geneva, Zurich, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, and Munich are among the daily destinations for travelers going abroad. The Malpensa Express train service connects the station to Milan-Malpensa airport, which is also connected.
Museum of the Milan Cathedral
The building, design, and sculpture stages of this impressive and spectacular Cathedral in Milan are reconstructed at the Museo del Duomo (Milan Cathedral Museum), which has twenty rooms.
The museum was officially opened in 1953, but the concept for its establishment originated during the construction of the Cathedral. This was done to make use of all the material associated with the Cathedral’s realization, in addition to the desire for the Cathedral to have its own museum, just like the other great cathedrals.
In the halls of the Fabbrica del Duomo in 1910, a portion of this concept began to take form, partially realizing its potential. Because of the increased complexity of the material that needed to be preserved and the restricted access to the areas, they were no longer appropriate. 1948 saw the donation of nine rooms on the ground floor of the ancient wing of the Royal Palace to the museum. Finally, in 1953, the museum was given a sufficient room in which to display the things that had been acquired.
About two hundred objects can be found in the Milan Cathedral Museum. These objects include statuary, tapestries, reliefs, terracotta sketches, graphic material, paintings, wooden models, and a section dedicated to historical and musical archives documents. However, only researchers are permitted to view this section of the museum.
Park Sempione in Milan, Italy
In the Italian city of Milan, there is a big park known as Parco Sempione. The park was established in 1888, and its current location, in the heart of the city’s historic district, contributes to its overall size of 386,000 square meters.
The grounds of Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace, two of Milan’s most notable sights, are located close to the park where you will find yourself. Emilio Alemagna, an architect, was responsible for the park’s design.
In addition to the Torre Branca and the public aquarium, the Arena Civica is another attraction that can be found inside the park.
The Palace of the Royal Family in Milan
The Royal Palace of Milan was the seat of administration for the Italian city of Milan for many centuries; nonetheless, it is now an important cultural center that hosts several exhibits. The Royal Palace constructed a very long time ago. During the era of the medieval commune in the Middle Ages, this building served as the seat of local administration. Its original name was Palazzo Vecchio Broletto, and it is located in Broletto.
The palace was converted into a fortification between the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
It is intended that the picture of Maria Theresa of Austria, painted by Anton von Maron and housed at the Palazzo Reale, brings attention to the significant role that she had in the development of Milan.
The building of the Palazzo Reale was destroyed throughout the 17th century owing to wars and the epidemic. On the 24th and 25th of January 1695, a fire burnt down the Court Theatre, which would signal the stoppage of the operation of the theater institution in Milan for about two decades.
In 1723, the structure was destroyed by yet another fire, which was particularly severe. The Governor of Weirich, Philipp von Daun, oversaw the coordination of the palace’s refurbishment. A number of offices, all of which dealt with administrative responsibilities, were relocated within the courtyard.
The bombing in 1943 caused significant damage to the structure; the whole rooms and everything inside them were destroyed. Everything that could be salvaged, including the furniture and decorations, was moved to other locations. In succeeding years, extensive renovations and additions were made to the palace, resulting in the state-of-the-art Royal Palace that you see today, which adheres to the highest possible global standards. The stages of this significant project include
- the establishment of the Royal Palace Museum,
- the expansion of the Civic Museum of Contemporary Art (CIMAC), and
- the establishment of exhibition space for both small and large exhibitions.
These developments contribute to the enhancement of Milan and its standing as an exceptional cultural destination.
The Royal Palace is an essential venue for Milan’s social and cultural events. The tremendous success of exhibits held in Milan in recent years, some of which included works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and other painters and sculptors, is evidence that it has played an essential part in the city’s artistic community. One of the most important events was the opening an exhibition at the Palazzo Regal in 2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of futurism.
Milan’s Cathedral Square
Piazza del Duomo is the central plaza in Milan, Italy. Because of its significance, the plaza is located in the city’s geographic center. The square has a total area of 17,000 square meters and is home to several of Milan’s most notable architectural structures. The plaza is without a doubt the most significant tourist attraction in the city, and it is also the location of some of the most illustrious economic enterprises in the city.
The Cathedral Square was laid out in the 14th century and grew continually with the building of the Duomo, which took around six centuries to complete. The second part of the nineteenth century is when it was given its current appearance, which was primarily the work of the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. The massive structures surrounding the Piazza were reconstructed according to Mengoni’s plan, except the Cathedral and the Royal Palace; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the most noteworthy of these buildings.
The concept of Azzone Visconti may be credited with the impetus for constructing Piazza del Duomo. In 1330, Azzone gave the order to demolish the taverns located in the area surrounding Milan’s two most important churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa Tecla, in order to create a square that would later become known as Piazza dell’Arengo. This square was the forerunner of what is now known as Piazza del Duomo. None of the Piazza dell’Arengario’s old structures have been preserved.
Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who succeeded Azzone, significantly enlarged the area by issuing an order to demolish the bishop’s residence in 1385 and the baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti in 1387. Both of these buildings were located inside the square. In the subsequent decades, the plaza did not see much development; however, when work started on the building of the Duomo, one of the two basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore, was destroyed.
In 1458, Pope Pius II permitted Francesco Sforza and the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano. This firm was responsible for building the Duomo and destroying Santa Tecla to establish an enormous plaza worthy of matching the magnificence of the Duomo. The basilica was reconstructed mainly during the subsequent few years, only to be destroyed in the middle of the 16th century.
The next significant event occurred in the second half of the 18th century when architect Giuseppe Piermarini redesigned the Royal Palace. As a result of this redesign, a smaller piazza appeared close to Piazza del Duomo; however, this change did not create additional space; instead, it simply extended the already existing area.
In the 19th century, the King of Austria, Ferdinand I, retained the services of the architect Giulio Beccaria to do another makeover of the plaza. The erection of the palace that would eventually become the headquarters of the Fabbrica del Duomo was the most significant contribution that Beccaria made to the urban design of the region. This palace may be found to the southeast of the Cathedral.
After the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859, the Piazza saw a significant transformation for the first time in its history. In 1860, the government announced that it intended to make significant changes to the area to construct a new boulevard named after King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. In the end, the architect Giuseppe Mengoni was in charge of the reorganization, and he started working on it in 1865. Based on Mengoni’s design, between 1865 and 1873, the square was first extended by demolishing an entire district known as Rebecchino. Following this, the square received its modern landmarks, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (1864–1867) and the two Palazzi de Portici, which mark the southern and northern borders of the square. These landmarks were constructed between 1865 and 1873.
The job that Mengoni did was not without its challenges. Because of the financial problems that the business that was responsible for the work encountered, the municipal council was compelled to implement additional taxes. A portion of the Galleria neighborhood was split up and sold to private owners, who were then obligated to finish the construction according to Mengoni’s plan. In 1875 fresh financial challenges risked the fulfillment of the two triumphal arches included in the concept; ultimately, Mengoni opted to finance the building of the triumphal arches himself. When he passed away in 1877, the building of just one of the arches had been finished, and work had been stopped on the other. The local officials began reorganizing the city in 1860, and in 1896 they displayed a monument of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. This event marked the end of the restructuring process.
Milan Diocesan Museum
The rich creative treasures of the Diocese of Milan are protected and shown inside the Diocesan Museum, which originated as an offshoot of the Ambrosian Diocese and continues to this day. The Basilica of the Monastery of St. Eustorgio is home to the Diocesan Museum, which may be found within its picturesque surroundings. All that is left of the former magnificence and splendor of the Dominican monastery are the hermitages in their current form, as we may see them now.
Around the year 1229, the construction of the first monastery began near the basilica of St. Eustorgio. This location served as the epicenter of monastic life for a significant amount of time.
In 1413, Filippo Maria Visconti commissioned the construction of a magnificent monastery in the style of the Renaissance. However, the structure was destroyed in 1526 due to a battle between Spanish and French forces. Influential Lombard architects like Carlo Buzzi and Francesco Maria Richini may have been responsible for the building of the second monastery built in the 17th century. This monastery is known for its exquisite appearance. Bombing in 1943 caused considerable damage to both monasteries and ultimately led to their partial destruction.
There are around 320 pieces housed inside the diocesan museum’s collection, which has been organized into eleven primary categories.
Many works that belonged to the collections of Milanese archbishops Monti, Visconti, and Pozzobonelli and the entire Erba Odescalchi collection can be found in the museum rooms. These works date from the 6th to the 19th centuries and are part of the diocesan collection from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
The museum hosts fascinating exhibits and offers educational seminars and guided museum tours.
The Milan Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Milan, also known as the Orto Botanico di Brera, is a botanical garden that covers an area of 5,000 square meters and can be found at Via Brera 28, in the middle of Milan, in the region of Lombardy, Italy. The botanical garden offers free admission on the weekdays when it is open.
The garden was established in 1774 by Abbot Fulgenzio Vitman, at the behest of Maria Theresa of Austria (1717–1780), by converting an existing Jesuit garden to serve the needs of students of medicine and pharmacology. After years of abandonment and deterioration, the garden was brought back to its former glory in 1998.
Today, you are welcome to take a leisurely walk around the garden, which spans an area of 5,000 square meters and has phallic trees and plants with strange forms. In addition, there are two enormous examples of the tree Ginkgo biloba and various relics from the past, such as two elliptical ponds from the 18th century and an observatory from the 19th century.
In addition, there are special events, educational activities, and guided tours are planned here for the general public and schools. People who are interested in botany make up the vast majority of the population.
San Maurizio Church
A church in Milan known as San Maurizio Al Monastero Maggiore may be found on the corner of Via Magenta Luini and Corso. It was once the most significant monastery of Benedictine nuns in the city. Frescoes of the Lombard school may be seen adorning the inner walls of the building.
The architect and sculptor Gian Dolcebuono Giacomo was responsible for the design and construction of the church. He was assisted in his work on the church by the architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo, with whom he also collaborated on the Cathedral of Milan, Certosa Pavia di, and the church of Santa Maria Presso San Celso. Construction on the church began in 1503. After 15 years had passed since construction began, the structure was finally finished.
The church was partitioned into two sections, with one section being devoted to the faithful and the other section being kept only for the use of the nuns who lived in the monastery. The separating wall made it impossible for the nuns to go any farther. In the year 1794, the Archbishop decided to relax the prohibition.
The chapels, the side walls, and the partition wall are all decorated with murals created during the 16th century. In the 16th century, Bernardino Luini was responsible for decorating the dividing wall with murals.
The frescoes were first eligible for restoration in 1986 because of an unnamed benefactor’s testament. In later years, other gifts made it possible to restore the chapels, and a grant from the Popular Bank of Milan made it possible to restore some of the frescoes.
Milan’s Gallery of Modern Art
This is one of the most contemporary art galleries in Milan, and it displays works of art from all over the world that was created during the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is housed in a magnificent mansion planned by Leopold Pollak and constructed in the neo-classical style in 1790. It has works created by renowned painters such as Matisse, Picasso, Morandi, and Vismara.
The well-known painting “Il Quarto Stato” by Pellizza da Volpedo can be seen on the ground level. A significant collection is solely devoted to the work of the sculptor Marino Marini. This collection includes works by artists such as Morandi, Modigliani, Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso.
Archaeology Museum located in Milan, Italy
Next to the historic church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan is where you will find the Archaeology Museum.
The city of Mediolanum was established in the 4th century BC, and the Romans captured it in 222 BC. The first section of the museum, which is situated on the original site of Corso Magenta, is devoted to the history of the city of Mediolanum. There is a brief discussion of the arts of Gandhara in the basement of the building. The monastery, which has Roman ruins dating from the 1st through the 3rd century and two medieval towers that have been preserved, connects the first section of the museum to the current structure located on Via Nirone. The Early Middle Ages section, the Etruscan section, the Ancient Greek section, and the temporary display hall are all housed inside this portion of the Museum of Archaeology in Milan. The Early Middle Ages section is situated on the ground level.
Within the monastery’s polygonal Tower is a sculpture by Domenico Paladino. The sculpture was chosen because it complements the medieval setting of the paintings.
The Foundation of Prada in Milan
Prada SpA is an Italian fashion business established in 1913 by Mario Prada. The firm specializes in producing luxury items for both men and women.
Leather items were the first focus of Mario Prada and his brother Martino’s enterprise when they opened their shop in 1913. Because Mario Prada did not think that women should be allowed to participate in the business, he did not allow for the prospect that women would be involved in the firm’s management. Ironically, Mario’s son did not exhibit any interest in the business, and as a result, the company was taken over by Mario’s daughter, Luisa Prada, who served as CEO for over 20 years. Miuccia Prada, her daughter, began working for the firm in 1970 and finally became the company’s sole proprietor in 1978.
Milan’s Very Own Art Gallery
In 1928, Enrico Somaré, an art editor and critic, initiated the opening of Galleria Milano. The gallery remained open for another ten years. During that time, it displayed the work of artists such as Casorati, Wildt, Eleonor Fini, Sironi, Tosi, Tozzi, Manzu, and Carra, amongst many others, until closing its doors just before the start of the Second World War. In 1964, the sons of Enrico Somare decided to reopen the gallery. In 1965, Carla Pellegrini Rocca assumed control of the gallery’s managerial responsibilities.
Over those few years, the gallery played home to more than 300 historical avant-garde performances and exhibits. The Italian audience is not as familiar with some areas of modern and contemporary art, and the gallery focuses its emphasis on presenting these works to the public.
Since 2006, the gallery has been holding, throughout November, a concert that features music created by Davide Mosconi. Besides contemporary artists, the gallery exhibits Vincenzo Agnetti, Carlo Alfano, Arakawa, Gianfranco Baruchello, William Beckley, Alexander Brodsky, Antonio Calderara, Fabio Mauri, Davide Mosconi, Magdalo Mussio, Gastone Novelli, Pino Pascali, Gio Ponti, Tancredi, Aldo Tagliaferro, Fred Sandback, Shiraga, Nanni Valentini, Luigi Veronesi, Roger Welch.
Palazzo Ragione in Milan
The Palazzo della Ragione is a historic structure that can be found at Piazza Mercanti in the Italian city of Milan. Constructed in the 13th century and functioned as an administrative structure when it was first constructed; as a result, it is also known by the name Nuovo Broletto.
Both a relief showing Oldrado da Tresseno and a bas-relief of the fabled animal, the half-horned sow, which has been the subject of great debate among academics, can be found decorating the palace.
The structure was constructed for Oldrado da Tresseno between 1228 and 1233. It was considered essential to Milan’s administrative and public life until the 18th century.
Maria Theresa, in 1773, the structure was renovated and expanded to function as a repository for legal records. The architect Francesco Croce was responsible for the design of the structural improvements, which included the addition of an upper level with substantial circular windows. Enrico Terzaghi, an architect, made some more significant improvements to the structure in the year 1854.
The Banca Popolare di Milano was a significant Milanese bank between 1866 and 1870. After that, it reverted to its legal purpose of keeping records until the year 1970. In 1978, Marco Dezzi Bardeschi gave the building another round of restoration, although he was adamantly opposed to any plans for structural alterations, including the removal of the other story Croce had erected.
The architectural design of another well-known structure, the Arengario of Monza, was influenced by Palazzo Della Ragione.
Piazza Mercanti in Milan
The Piazza Mercanti in Milan is an excellent example of civic architecture. The Piazza Mercanti in Rome was a typical medieval center from the Middle Ages until the 17th century. The plaza is quiet and secluded, far from the mayhem of the city’s traffic. It is believed that the building first stood in this spot about the middle of the 13th century.
The Nuovo Broletto, constructed between 1228 and 1233, is the most notable structure on this Piazza. The Loggia Degli Osei, initially constructed in 1316 and later rebuilt in 1904, can be seen on the other side of the plaza. You may also see the Casa de Panigarola from this vantage point.
Milan’s San Babila Church
Milan is home to a San Babila church dedicated to Saint Vavila of Antioch. Relics of the saints Vavila of Antioch and Romanus of Caesarea were brought to Milan by Marcellus, the bishop of Milan, during the beginning of the 5th century. These relics came from Antioch. Basilica Concilia Sanctorum, often known as the church of San Romano, was established by Marcellus.
In 1095, the church of San Babila was constructed in the exact location. The church was enlarged in the 16th century by the construction of another structure, and at the same time, a new Baroque front was constructed.
The whole complex was refurbished in the 19th century to recreate the church’s medieval aspect, while Paolo Cesa-Bianchi created the neo-Romanesque front in the 20th century. Both of these renovations were completed in the same century. The old bell tower collapsed in the 16th century, and its replacement, which dates back to 1920, stands where it formerly stood.
The interior is composed of a central nave and two side aisles.
The two side chapels are decorated in a manner typical of the late Renaissance. A depiction of the Madonna, held in high esteem by the people of Milan, may be seen in the right aisle.
Milan’s Most Prominent Burial Ground
The Cimitero Monumentale is renowned for the wealth of artistic tombs that can be seen there.
Carlo Maciachini, an Italian architect, was responsible for its design. The project’s purpose was to reorganize several smaller cemeteries located in different parts of the city.
The cemetery was inaugurated in 1866, and since then, it has been adorned with a vast assortment of modern and classical Italian sculptures, in addition to Greek temples, obelisks, and other unique works, such as a miniature replica of Trajan’s Column. The graves of several of the industrial dynasties may be found here.
The Famed, a neo-medieval marble and stone edifice, serves as the primary entrance to the cemetery. Within this structure are the graves of several of the city’s prominent citizens, including the author Alessandro Manzoni.
The Civico Mausoleo Palanti is a tomb constructed to store notable Milanese remains. It was created by the architect Mario Palanti. The BBPR group was comprised of leading exponents of rationalist Italian architecture, such as Gianluigi Banfi, who passed away in Mauthausen in 1945. Their work on the memorial, which was built in memory of approximately 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps, can be found in the city’s center. The cemetery is divided into several sections, one reserved explicitly for non-Catholics and another for Jewish people.
Poldi-Pezzoli Museum in Milan
An art museum may be found in Milan, Italy, and its name is the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. The museum can trace its roots back to the 19th century when it was founded with the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio.
This distinguished museum has been used as a point of reference by other significant museums in Europe and the United States, including the Frick Collection, Jacquemart-André, the Wallace Collection, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Important works of art, including paintings, weapons and armor, jewelry, carpets, fabrics, lace, furniture, sundials, sculptures, and Murano glass are on show at the museum, which first welcomed visitors in 1881 and has been available to the public ever since. There are paintings by Pollaiolo, Botticelli, Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Piero Della Francesca, Cosme Tura, Foppa, Solario, Luini, Boltraffio, Cesare da Sesto, Galgario Fra, Bergognone, Guardi, Canaletto, Tiepolo.
Milan’s Leonardo da Vinci Museum is Italy’s National Museum of Science and Technology.
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology can be found in Milan, Italy. The monastery of San Vittore al Corpo, which can be found at the address Via S. Vittore 21, is close to where Leonardo owned a piece of land covered with vines. Additionally, the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie and the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is not too far away from the location.
The museum has a total area of 40,000 square meters and is now Italy’s most significant technical and scientific museum. It also houses the most incredible collection of model machines in the world constructed by Leonardo da Vinci’s ideas.
Despite the fact that the museum was closed from June 9 to September 16 of the same year, close to 400,000 people still managed to make it there in 2008.
The concept of establishing a museum in Milan that is only devoted to showcasing technological advancements goes back to the 1930s. The implementation, on the other hand, occurred much later. It was in the year 1942 that Guido Ucelli di Nemi and Arnaldo Salamini laid the groundwork for what would become the Museo Nazionale Della Tecnica e dell Industria Foundation. In 1947, the Foundation changed its status to that of a charitable organization and was granted the building presently used as the museum. This structure was formerly a monastery that belonged to Olivetan friars and dated back to the 16th century. After serving first as a military hospital during the time of Napoleon and then as a police station, the structure was hit by bombs in August of 1943 and sustained damage.
After a proposal led by Piero Portaluppi, the monastery was transformed into a museum in the early 1950s after it had been renovated. The ceremony to inaugurate the building took place on February 15, 1953, and Alcide de Gasperi, who served as President of the Council of Ministers at the time, was there.
Over the subsequent years, the collections steadily increased in size, and new categories were added. The Naval Air Pavilion was constructed in 1964 to accommodate the school ship Ebe and the liner Conte Biancamano. 1969 marked the beginning of operations at the railway pavilion. 1993 was the year that saw the debut of the very first interactive workshop. In 1999, the museum was converted into a charitable organization under remote control.
The Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro Church may be found in Milan.
The Church of Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro in Milan is dedicated to Saint Satiro, a confessor and the brother of Saints Ambrose and Marcellina. The church was erected on the site of a primitive house of worship constructed in 879 by Anspertus, the Archbishop at the time. At the behest of Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the current church was constructed somewhere between the years 1472 and 1482. According to some of the available sources, the church is said to have been designed by Bramante. On the other hand, recent papers demonstrate that Bramante’s contribution was somewhat limited, and most of the work may be credited to Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. He was responsible for designing the facade.
The structure is comprised of a vaulted nave in addition to two vaulted aisles. Bramante substituted the choir, which had to be shortened owing to the proximity of a busy road, with a painted perspective. In doing so, he created one of the earliest instances of trompe l’oeil in the history of art.
White and gold paint was initially used to beautify the inside of the building. Frescoes painted by Borgognone formerly adorned the walls, but those paintings have since been moved to the Pinacoteca di Brera. The old sacellum of San Satiro was embellished with a terracotta depiction of the crucified Christ produced by Agostino de Fondulis. These cotton embellishments covered the surface of the sacellum. Giuseppe Peroni is responsible for the creation of the Altar of the Ecstasy of St. Philip Neri, which can be seen within the Cathedral (1764).
The Romanesque-era edifice before the renovation in 1480 has the bell tower.
Milan’s Branca Tower
The Branca Tower is a sophisticated metal tower that is 108.6 meters tall. It is shorter than the Pirelli Tower and marginally higher than the Cathedral’s tallest point.
Between January and August of 1933, the Branca Cannon was constructed. This skyscraper was partly designed by Gio Ponti, Chiodi Cesare, and Ferrari Ettore, whom all worked on its construction. Initially, the cannon platform was home to a restaurant; however, the restaurant was forced to shut down for the visitors’ safety. Despite this, the platform is still a one-of-a-kind location from where you can see Milan.
The Tower was initially referred to as Torre Littoria when it first opened; nowadays, it is also often referred to as Torre del Parco. It was shut down for refurbishment in 1972 and did not reopen until 2002. The current name, “Distilleria Fratelli Branca,” comes from the sponsoring firm that provided financial assistance for the substantial repairs.
Milan’s Fontana Silvestri House
Casa Fontana Silvestri is a building that can be seen in Milan. Its construction goes back to the 12th century, but the late 14th century is when it took on its present form, a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles — structures from the Renaissance period preserved in Milan.
Most of the building’s original paintings, which may have been done by Bramante or Bramantino (this is not known for definite), have vanished over time, leaving just a few visible fragments beneath the cornice. The structure was initially painted with frescoes. Some people believe that Bramante was responsible for designing the terracotta ornaments that are seen on the facade.
In 1961, the structure underwent restoration work that restored its Renaissance-era look.
Sant’Ambrogio Church
Within the Po valley, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan is regarded as the most impressive example of Romanesque architecture. It was established in the fourth century by Saint Ambrose at the cemetery of the Martyrs, which is located in the vicinity of Vercelli. To Ambrose’s original plans, the basilica was established to serve as a repository for his bones; however, the congregation pleaded with him to dedicate the Cathedral to the relics already on the premises. The bodies of Saints Gervasio and Protasio were moved under the altar so that their remains may be entombed there. There are not very many remnants left over from the early church. The church has been subject to several renovations and restorations over the centuries, with the restoration that took place in the 19th century being the most recent and significant.
The entrance to the church is framed by two rows of arches all the way around. Two towers are situated on each side of the facade. The Tower on the right is known as the Monks’ Tower, and it was constructed in the 9th century. The Tower on the left, known as the Tower of Canons, was constructed in the 12th century.
The interior is divided into three different naves by arches. Tiepolo, Ferrari, and Legnanino Luini Bernardino were among the well-known painters who contributed to decorating the room.
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum in Milan
In the Montenapoleone neighborhood of Milan, located in northern Italy, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is a museum that does not charge admission. The collection of decorative art that belonged to the Barons Bagatti Valsecchi is being shown here at their insistence, so come check it out! Not only may guests take in works of art, but they can also take in the genuine atmosphere, which is a manifestation of the aristocratic taste of Milan throughout the 19th century.
The permanent exhibition at the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum primarily comprises decorative art pieces created by Italian Renaissance artists. These pieces include majolica, furniture, tapestry, metal, leather, and glass. In addition, there are a few sculptures, such as the Madonna and Child, which a follower of Donatello created, and many paintings. The Barons Bagatti Valsecchi’s collection includes European weaponry and Renaissance armor, clocks, fabrics, and many scientific and musical instruments.
Although it was intended to be a private display rather than a gallery when it was first designed, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum now houses a significant collection of Italian Renaissance paintings from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.
Trivulziana Library in Milan
The Trivulziana Library was formerly regarded as one of Europe’s most prestigious private libraries. It was primarily by Teodor Alexander (1694–1763) and Don Carlo Trivulzio that it came into being (1715–1789). Another family member, Gian Giacomo (1774–1831), was a scholar and philologist. He was responsible for the growth in the number of works signed by Petrarch and Dante Alighieri, as well as the increase in the number of studies devoted to them in Italy and other countries.
The marriage of Gian Giacomo (1839–1902) to Amalia Giulia Barbiano significantly expanded the Library’s collection of books and papers. Amalia Giulia Barbiano contributed 634 manuscripts and a significant number of volumes to the Library throughout their lifetime.
The Private Liturgy was redeemed in 1905 because of the efforts of the previous owner, Alberico Luigi, who lived from 1868 to 1938.
In 1935, Prince Louis Alberico Trivulzio parted ways with the Trivulziana Library, selling it to the city of Milan.
The Library currently holds approximately 120,000 volumes, which include old and contemporary printed editions, 2,000 manuscripts, the earliest of which date back to the 8th century, and the most famous manuscript is the so-called Note Book of Leonardo da Vinci, which includes the complete collection of the 15 editions of the Divine Comedy. The oldest printed editions in the Library date back to the 8th century. The Trivulziana is regarded as one of the world’s most important libraries due to the nature of the contents it houses.
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