Arch of Peace

The Arch of Peace in Milan, located at the beginning of Corso Sempione, is a monument that embodies European history and neoclassical architectural grandeur. Its construction began in 1807, under the direction of Luigi Cagnola, to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, but was interrupted in 1814 with Napoleon’s fall. Resumed in 1826 under Austrian rule, the work was completed and the monument was inaugurated in 1838 by Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, dedicating it to the peace achieved with the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The arch, 25 meters high and 24 meters wide, features a complex sculptural decoration that narrates the historical events of the time. The upper part is dominated by the “Sestiga della Pace,” a bronze sculpture by Abbondio Sangiorgio, depicting a goddess of Peace on a chariot pulled by six horses. On the sides are the statues of the “Four Horseback Victories” by Giovanni Putti, symbols of the main Lombard rivers: Po, Ticino, Adda, and Tagliamento. Interestingly, after Napoleon’s fall, the Austrians rotated the horse statues 180 degrees, making them face their hindquarters towards France, a symbolic gesture of contempt towards the former Napoleonic empire. The base of the arch is adorned with bas-reliefs representing important historical events, such as the Battle of Leipzig, Napoleon’s defeat, and other scenes of great significance for the time. These details are not simply decorative, but convey deep political and historical messages, narrating the ups and downs of early 19th-century Europe. In 1859, the Arch of Peace became the stage for a significant historical event: the triumphant entry into Milan of Napoleon III and Vittorio Emanuele II after the victory in the Battle of Magenta. This event symbolized the advancement of the Risorgimento and the push towards Italian unification. A commemorative inscription on the arch celebrates this moment, emphasizing the role of the monument as a symbol of Italian freedom and independence. The neighborhood around the arch is known for its lively nightlife, with cafes, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of gastronomic and recreational experiences. This contrast between ancient and modern is one of the most fascinating features of Milan, a city where history intertwines with contemporaneity in always surprising ways. Walking around the Arch of Peace means immersing oneself in a true open-air museum, where every architectural and artistic detail tells a story. The 16 Corinthian columns, the marble bas-reliefs, and the bronze statues are testimonies to the artistic mastery and political vision of their creators. This monument is not only a feast for the eyes but also nourishment for the mind, a place where art and history merge to create a unique and unforgettable experience.