Milan is one of the world’s most recognized cities, famous for fashion, banking, and its monuments. Nevertheless, being a city more famous for the Milan Cathedral, The Last Supper, and other well-known places, Milan also hides many interesting facts and a number of stories. Here are what many people may not know about this great Italian city: ten facts.
1. The Last Symbol of the Journey: Curiosity and Strangeness of Milan
Curiously though, Milan’s symbol can be described as rather provocative and is likely to cause quite a few blinks. It has a serpent that devours a boy, a symbol incorporated into the emblem of the city more than a thousand years ago. This image is based on the emblem of the noble family – Visconti, which governed Milan in medieval ages. The same symbol is used in the logo of the celebrated Alfa Romeo car manufacturing company as well. There is much myth and fable surrounding this symbol and each person can himself gauge as to what it might really represent. That is a very interesting sight how a symbol that may look rather provocative and even evil still remains a symbol of a city as modern as Milan.
The emblem, chosen by the Visconti family, who ruled Milan in the late 13th century till mid 15th century, says it all. According to cultural interpretations, it is believed that the serpent symbolizes that fight between good and evil where the serpent is considered the evil that has been overcome. The second explanation suggests it is a reminder of the victory in some battle of the Visconti against the enemy represented by the snake that threatens to swallow the child. Although such a symbol raises people’s consciousness, this one has become a significant part of Milan and its people – history intertwined with modernity.
2. The Dome of Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery
The dome seen in the above pictures may be either the first or the second of the two which form part of the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery and walking around the two domes would be a bonus.
Today, this building is recognized as one of the main attractions in Milan and thousands of tourists come to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is one of the most exquisite shopping arcades with a glass-iron roof that forms a very spectacular sight. Yet, seemingly having missed the message of this architecture, many guests have no idea that one can get down to the first floor, and climb up to the roof of the domes. This is incredible as it provides awesome views of Milan and it is good to have the feel of the city from a different perspective.
The gallery built in 1861 and ready for use in 1877 was to be a gigantic arch between the Cathedral of Milan and the Teatro alla Scala. Its decorations include numerous beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and pieces of ironwork that are true representatives of Milanese architecture style. Thus, by going to the rooftop, the guests will have not only the view on the area close to the Piazza del Duomo but also the view on the city in general. This seems to be quite an amazing place to visit as it allows a break from a rather noisy and crowded streets and as a bonus, it gives a tourist a chance to observe both, historical and contemporary architecture of Milano.
3. The Significance of Inspiration in the Statue of the New Law
The New Law statue by Camillo Pacetti to be found at Milan Cathedral is said to be Bartholdi’s source of ideas when sculpting the liberty statue found in New York. The significance of the two statues is closely related to each other, Vesta is depicted as the lamp-bearer holding a torch in her hand. This connection underlines how the city of Milan played a role in spreading art all over the world.
Pacetti’s statue work captures the new Christian law taming the old pagan law, which was made in the early 1800s. Probably, it attracted Bartholdi’s attention because he saw the sculpture before creating the Statue of Liberty and the Palace has an impressive appearance and a torch symbol. This influence supports Milan’s place in the artistic interactions, that defined monumental culture globally. The comparisons of the postures of the two status and themes of enlightenment and freedom show how art heritage of Milan has been universal in the making of universal symbols.
4. The University of Milan
It is the largest and reputed university in Italy and Europe, lies in the city of Milan. The structure is located in the Renaissance style and is actually the former headquarters of the Milanese Hospital situated in the Ca’ Granda. Built by architect Filarete (Antonio Averlino), the Ca’ Granda is one of the first examples of renaissance style architecture. However, due to immense destruction in World War II, it was reconstructed to the smallest detail in order to retain the cultural values and the architectural mastery.
This institution was founded in 1924 and over the recent past has developed into one of the leading institutions of learning for students and scholars from around the globe. It has been established as a university and with hospital status since the 15th century as the Ca’ Granda. Post the World War II, reconstruction was enormous as an input was made towards maintaining the renaissance characteristic of the building together with adapting it to the then use. Now the university remains an example of Milan’s commitment to its historical and cultural heritage as well as future development and education.
5. Milan the Imperial Capital of Mediolanum
The Celts settled in Milan around 400 BC, while the Romans took over in 222 BC; this city was known as Mediolanum. It later on became the capital of the western part of the Roman civilized world. Nonetheless, there are residual signs of its imperial tradition up to the time when the subject matter of the investigation – the Western Roman Empire – reached its end and the sacking of the city. Visiting those places gives some idea of how it must have been like in Milan in those time periods.
It was a strategic market that was prosperous during the time of Romans which is why they invested in it. One can clearly see the significance of this city through its proofs like the Colonne di San Lorenzo, which are the columns of ancient Rome. Additional information on this era is provided in the Archaeological Museum of Milan that contains other exhibits that established Milan as an important city during the Roman era. Strolling through Milan one can imagine that every stone here is breathing the history of the empire, victory, and the change.
6. The Three Wise Men in Milan
Shot through a celestial sign of a shooting star, the inscription on top of the lid of the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio is “Sepulcrum Trium Magorum” or Tomb of the Three Magi is one of the oldest churches in Milan. During history it is narrated that Saint Eustorgius who was the archbishop of Milan was bestowed the bones of the three wise men by Emperor Constantius II. These relics were kept for some time in the basilica which was later plundered but some of the items were retrieved. Today, the basilica continues to be a point of Christian devotion and a place where people visit, gawk at or admire.
The Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio which has been built in the 4th century is the main landmark that proudly represents the early Christian period in Milan history. The legend of the bears of San Gennaro and the matter of the three wise men’s relics contributes a magical aura to the basilica. Some of the relics were stolen from Milan by Barbarossa in the 12th century and taken to Cologne Others were brought back later. Thus this historical epic attracts a large number of pilgrims and history lovers who are interested to understand the story of those historic personalities. The beauty of the basilica and silence that is followed within these buildings as well as the history that is seen within the walls makes the visit to the spot spiritual.
7. The Mystical Piazza Vetra
It is important to note that the name Piazza Vetra for this place has a rather mysterious and dark background. Until the nineteenth century, it was a place of pronouncing and fulfilling death penalties for plebeians. This led to the development of many myths and the production of so many stories, it is believed that witches and heretics were burned and executed here. Today, Piazza Vetra is an untroubled square, however, its unpleasant history is kept and explored in legends.
The change, in fact, brought about by the building of a park in the place of desecration of life symbolizes Milan through the ages. This is rather spooky and combines the concepts of witches and heretics that previously lived in this place; therefore, Piazza Vetra can be considered important for the enthusiasts of the eerie history of Milan. Looking at the area of the square today, one never thinks about the sorrowful actions that the area used to witness. Nevertheless, it is here that gentrification’s limits are experienced: a thousand legends, memories, and tales that testify to Milan’s multilayered history. Other local histories, which are presented by guides during the tour are Piazza Vetra, during which the guides thrill their visitors with the dark side of Milan’s history.
8. The Devil’s Footprints in the Basilica of Saint Ambrose
The “devil’s footprints” are two small holes located on one of the columns of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio; according to the legend, the devil tried many times to corrupt Saint Ambrose but failing, left these marks clawing the column. This story gives a mysterious point of view to the basilica and the visitors who are interested in the legends and myths will be attracted to this place.
Saint Ambrose, patron saint of Milan was a bishop of the city during the 4th century. Arminius’ strong commitment towards the Christian way of life and his contribution in the formation of the early Christianity is historical. The tale of the footprints left behind by the devil improves the figure of the hero for the devil’s forces could not influence him. Santo Ambrogio Church is another wonderful historical and architectural structure of Romanesque style which must be visited. The behind-the-scenes devil’s footprints being small, may go unnoticed by many visitors but they bring folklore in which is lacks, making up for it by giving the cemetery a more enthusiastic and enigmatic history.
9. Giuseppe Verdi and the Milan Conservatory
The famous composer Giuseppe Verdi, for instance, tried to get his opera work, ‘Rigoletto’, past the censors in Milan but was refused.
The renowned Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi who is very famous is such a person, who was once turned down by the Milan conservatory. Indeed, despite the failing of the entrance exam in 1833, Verdi’s subsequent success can hardly be overestimated. Ironically, the conservatory that once turned him away is now named in his honor: the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. This shows that the client had been turned down in the past and this can be a moving tale within a short space of time.
A conservative and Fate thought it could stop Verdi from going any further in music; but the young man did not quit. He, for instance, grew to become one of the most influential personalities in the world of opera; composing famous operas including Aida, La Traviata, Rigoletto among others. Today, the conservatory has deemed fit to associate the institution with Verdi in recognition of Milan’s understanding of his talents and effort in developing music. The movie tells how he had his start of bad and he rose to be an icon for upcoming artists, processes are not always smooth.
10. The Construction of the Milan Cathedral
This paper aims thus, at shedding a light on this eternal construction of the Milan Cathedral.
The construction of the Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano can be described as quite unusual and the process of its construction is known to be a story of commitment. The construction of this Gothic cathedral which can accommodate up to 40,000 persons, was carried out for almost six hundred years. The construction started in 1386 and seems to have continued up to 1965. The construction of this cathedral was long and exhaustive thus making a very powerful statement of the intention of Milan to create one of the most beautiful religious edifices in the modern world.
It is fantastic how intricate the Duomo di Milano is both, with regard to the design and its size. The façade of the cathedral is highly decorated with as many statues and as many spires as one can only depict, which controls the work of generations of sculptors. There is a breathtaking high nave and beautiful stained glass windows that make one feel a sense of holiness. Such maintenance as well as restoration implies that this architectural masterpiece remains inspiring to anyone who would feel privileged to take a glance at it. They can also go up to the rooftop levels with magnificent views of Milan and prolong the sightseeing of the intricate stonework of the cathedral. The cathedral of Milan is not only an architectural structure it is a symbol of art and architecture as decades of creativity, faith, and images of Milan.
Discover Everything About Milan
These ten interesting facts are meant to give the reader a first taste of the historical, cultural, and enigmatic Milan. Is clothing, sophisticated image enough for the city of fashion? No, it is much more than that; it is a city that contains many secrets and legends. In Milan as a traveler you can explore the city’s traditions by strolling the cobblestone roads, admiring the grand architecture, or discovering the city’s myths. Therefore, the next time you go back to this energetic city, you should try to peer beyond the surface and discover and explore more of what this Italian city has to offer.
What some people may consider just another city to visit, Milan is actually a city that a person absorbs. It, therefore, has an aura of the old age mix with the new age innovation making it an interesting place to visit. The spirit of embracing history while at the same time turning a face to the future is well depicted in the buildings, paintings, and other characteristics of the city. Starting from the large cathedrals up to the small and concealed courtyards, there is nothing in Milan that does not have a history behind it. Well, it implies losing yourself in the bustle of Italia’s streets, savor the delicious foods available here and let Milan win you over in a way that is unforgettable. This legendary city encourages you to take the plunge into the unknown and offers emotions through the history and contemporary social setting of the city.