ITMonuments and buildings
Centuries of historical events have left deep scars on the face of the city and its monuments and buildings reflect the times in history when they were conceived and built.
The historical centre of the city, in particular, is teeming with buildings that take us back to different ages and styles.
In addition to the Sforzesco Castle that, alongside the Duomo and the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, is the symbol of the city, the other buildings that overlook Piazza Mercanti are also worthy of a mention. Secluded and discreet, this Piazza is a testimony to century after century of Milan's glorious history. On one side of the Broletto building it is even possible to see the relief of a wild pig reminding us of the legendary origins of the place-name Mediolanum (from whence came the name Milan). The pomp and splendour of Napoleonic times can be found on the grandiose works of neoclassical architecture that include Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte which today houses the Gallery of Modern Art.
There are also splendid examples of Milan's Liberty (Art Nouveau) style that flourished in Milan in the decades spanning the end of the nineteenth and start of the twentieth centuries. Places such as Casa Campanini, one of the more joyful examples of Milanese Liberty (Art Nouveau) style or the white facade of what remains of the Trianon concert café constructed between 1902 and 1905 and demolished in 1954. This brings us to the post-war construction era and the city’s high-rise tower blocks like the Pirelli skyscraper and the Velasca Tower.
It is said that Milan is a metropolis in continuous expansion and yet never resembling itself. We invite you to come and explore it, through its monuments and its buildings that often bear the 'signatures' of architects, sculptors and painters of world renown.