Arc della Pace, Milan
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The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) is one of Milan's most iconic neoclassical monuments, located at Porta Sempione, the northern entrance to the city center. Here's a detailed description:
Historical Significance:
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1807 to celebrate his victories (initially intended as the "Arch of Victory" for the French Empire).
Construction began under architect Luigi Cagnola but was interrupted by Napoleon's fall in 1814.
Completed under Austrian rule (Lombardy-Venetia Kingdom) in 1838.
Its purpose was transformed to commemorate the peace established in Europe after the Congress of Vienna in 1815, hence its name "Arch of Peace." It was dedicated to Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria.
Architectural Style & Design:
Neoclassical, heavily inspired by ancient Roman triumphal arches, particularly the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome.
Materials: Primarily built from Crevola d'Ossola marble, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs and bronze sculptures.
Structure: Features three majestic arches – a large central arch flanked by two smaller ones. It stands approximately 25 meters (82 feet) high.
Key Artistic Features:
Bas-Reliefs: Depict allegorical scenes and historical events related to the Napoleonic era and the subsequent peace. Notable artists involved include Pompeo Marchesi, Luigi Acquisti, and Benedetto Cacciatori.
Sculptures:
The Sestiga della Pace (Chariot of Peace): The crowning glory atop the arch. Designed by Abbondio Sangiorgio, it features a bronze chariot drawn by six horses, led by the allegorical figure of Peace (Minerva). This replaced the original Napoleonic symbols.
Four Victories: Bronze statues at the corners of the arch's attic, holding palm branches and crowns.
River Deities: Flanking the smaller side arches, representing major rivers of the former Austrian Empire (Po, Ticino, Adige, Tagliamento).
Four Horsemen: Large equestrian reliefs on the pillars.
Inscriptions: Dedications to peace and Emperor Ferdinand I.
Location & Setting:
Situated at the center of Piazza Sempione.
It marks the entrance to the expansive Parco Sempione, Milan's largest public park.
Forms the focal point of a significant urban axis: Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) -> Arco della Pace. This axis continues symbolically all the way to the Duomo (Cathedral).
Symbolism & Ritual:
A powerful symbol of peace, triumph, and Milan's complex history under different rulers (French, Austrian).
Historically, it was a ritual point where victors' chariots would pass through the arch upon entering the city.
An interesting legend/solar alignment: On the summer solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly to shine through the arch along the Sempione axis towards the Castello Sforzesco.
There is a gate at the entrance square of Central Park. The sculptures and other designs are very similar to the Brandenburg Gate. The square below is not small. In the early morning, before people come out, there are always middle-aged women dancing in the square. The gate has a great momentum.
A small Arc de Triomphe can be seen at the entrance of Central Park when you come out of Sforza Castle. In front of it is a square where many people do morning exercises, especially Chinese people from Milan who do square dancing.
Milan's Arch of Peace feels a bit like the Arc de Triomphe, but it's a little smaller. When you come to Milan for a tour, you can check in and take photos at these places. This city still has many good classics.
I started my walk in the park at the Peace Gate. The park is in a beautiful shape and the sculptures tell great stories. The pizza restaurant is located in a quiet and relaxing place. The archway makes the castle look both retro and new.
Beautiful arch in a beautiful setting. We learned that Napoleon built this arch and had the horses on it facing the direction of France. Some clever Italians, not paying attention to their new rulers, turned the horses around so the backs of the horses were facing France. I love this!
The Arch of Peace is part of the Porta Sempione complex, located in the center of the large Piazza Sempione area. If you walk from Castel through the park, you have a great view, but if you walk from Corso Sempione the view is also great.
Since I didn't know the history of this place, it was a good place for me to take photos. You will reach this place by walking through Parco Sempione. If you are nearby, come and see it.
In fact, there are several similar buildings in Milan, which can be seen through the green space behind Sforza Castle. It is a story. Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe during any Italian king. Unexpectedly, the Arc de Triomphe had not yet been completed, and he had been defeated in the Waterloo War. In celebration of Italy's independence, the door was named "Peace Gate".