Milan is recognized as the capital of design and fashion, but it is also noted for its important sculptures and historical monuments, such as the Arch of Peace. Learn about the history of one of the most beautiful buildings with the most personality in the Italian city, join us to learn about the mastery that characterizes it.
The origins of the Arch of Peace date back to 1806. After the triumph of his conquests, Napoleon asked the architect Luigi Cagnola to build a commemorative monument in honor of his victories.
But while the Arch was being built in 1814, Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and the construction of the work was paralyzed, missing a third to finish it.
It was not until 1826 that Emperor Francis of Austria ordered its completion as an honorific symbol of peace. Thus, what began as a monument dedicated to the Roman goddess Victoria, ended up becoming a tribute to the peace established between the European powers during the Congress of Vienna.
Finally, the Arch of Peace was inaugurated on September 10, 1838.
Currently, the Arco della Pace imposes its figure in the geometric center of Plaza Sempione, a vast circular esplanade that connects Corso Sempione with the park of the same name. Both the design and construction of the Arch of Peace were left to Francesco Peverelli and Francesco Londonio, after Cagnola’s death.
The 25 meter high monument is a symbol of the city of Milan, thanks to its design made of granite, brought from the Lake Maggiore area. At first glance, it exhibits a neoclassical structure with three striking arches supported by eight Corinthian marble columns.
For their part, both the interior and exterior facades of the monument show bas-reliefs with themes ranging from Roman mythology to some of the most decisive events of the European Restoration period.
If you approach and observe with determination, you can see the allegorical representations of Hercules, Apollo or Mars and episodes such as the Battle of Leipzig, the occupation of Lyon and Paris, the Napoleonic capitulation in Dresden, or the Congress of Vienna.
In addition, the Arch stands out for the number of sculptures that decorate it, such as the six horses driven by a woman that symbolizes peace, and the victorious knights that represent the four rivers of Lombardy.
Finally, in the upper part of the arch you can see the engraved inscriptions of the names of the Italian soldiers who died in the First and Second World War.
As you walk around the Arch, you will come across several Milan landmarks, such as the Torre Branca and the Sforzesco Castle.
The first is considered the “Eiffel Tower” of Milan and is one of the most famous viewpoints in the city. At 108 meters, it is the eighth tallest tower and a great tourist attraction.
While the Sforzesco Castle is one of the most important places in the historic center of Milan. This ancient fortress houses numerous museum complexes, such as the Ancient Art Museum, the Pinacoteca, the Egyptian Museum and the Musical Instruments museum.
© 2021 All rights reserved TRIP AIM
Made in ❤ TripAim
