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MILAN
(MILANO)
Through various temporary periods, the City of Milan,
has seen diverse transformation throughout its territory and
has experienced periods of particular splendour and historical
importance.
It took on the role of the Capital of the Roman Occidental Empire
from the 4th to the 5th Century, and it was in this very period,
that it was established as a new centre propelling Christianity;
this was also thanks to work of S.
Ambrogio, who is not by chance, recognized as the Patron Saint
of the City.
The second important period, in which amongst other
things, you can see the remarkable architectural remains, coincides
with the Communal Period and the fight for freedom against the
German Emperors, this phase goes from the 11th to the 13th Century
and is testified by the Basilica of S. Ambrogio and that of
S. Eustorgio as well as the Regional Palace. The Renaissance
in Milan went from the 14th – 16th Century, and coincides
with the governing by the Visconti’s, the Sforza’s
and Ludovico the Moor; it is represented by the Cathedral, the
Maggiore Hospital, the Castle Sforzesco, S. Maria delle Grazie
and S. Maria presso S. Satiro, not to mention the presence in
the City of great artists like Bramante and Leonardo. The transformation
of the layout of the historical centre during the 18th Century
is important, as it began the Napoleonic period and continued
until the Unity of Italy. Milan also experienced an important
contemporary period which began in the ‘50’s and
continued to at least the end of the ‘80’s, placing
the City in Italian vertices for cultural liveliness, activity
and economic development.
The urban layout of Milan is curious: it is set out in an
aureole, with the centre being the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral
Square), with a first town wall being that of the Naviglio
(mostly buried) and a second ring which corresponds with the
16th Century expansion. In the interior of this area is where
the social, economic and cultural life of the City takes place.
Piazza del Duomo is a casket of important testimonies: todays
look dates back to 1865; the Square is dominated by the Cathedral,
which was begun in 1386 and whose works concluded symbolically
in 1765/69, with the spire which supports the famous “Madonnina”
– in effect, the façade was completed with Neo-Gothic
and Neo-Renaissance elements in 1887. The building is a masterpiece
of Gothic style, characterized internationally by spires and
arches, rampant and animated for a grand total of 2245 statues.
The interior is sumptuous and obscure: light enters only through
some of the large, coloured windows, in typical Gothic style
and divided into five naves, reaching a height of around 70
metres. A visit to the Cathedral, cannot exclude a walk up
to the so called “Terrazzi”, from which, not only
can you admire a unique panorama of the City, but above all,
also appreciate the complex architectural genius of the internal
structure. In the square, you can also see the Royal Palace,
built in 1778 and which often hosts art exhibitions of high
standards.
From the Square, you can see the beginnings of some important
branching off: the axis of via Orefici/via Dante, which leads
to the Sforzesco Castle, erected in 1450; one of the best
examples of Renaissance Milan, being characterized by the
central tower, a four sided structure, containing an internal
structure of courtyards and towers. It hosts the Civil Art
Collections and an Art Gallery with masterpieces such as the
Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo, the The Axis Room
with frescoes by Leonardo, and Medieval and Renaissance sculptures.
Behind the castle, a huge park extends outwards, which houses
the Napoleonic Arch of Peace, from 1807.
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MILAN
Art City
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Milan Top Hotels
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