Sempione Gate

Porta Sempione, located northwest of Milan, is a historical and architectural emblem of the city. Its history dates back to Roman times, when the area was crossed by the road to Castelseprio, with Porta Giovia as one of the main entrances. This gate was later replaced by a new structure during the Middle Ages, included in the medieval walls of Milan, and was subsequently integrated into the Sforza Castle under the rule of Filippo Maria Visconti. The evolution of Porta Sempione culminates with the Arch of Peace, designed by Luigi Cagnola in 1807 to celebrate the peace of Vienna in 1815. The Arch of Peace, with its grandeur and neoclassical aesthetics, is one of the most iconic monuments in Milan. It consists of a central arch flanked by two smaller arches and decorated with reliefs and statues symbolizing peace and military victories. The top of the arch is adorned with a triumphal chariot drawn by six horses, a work by Abbondio Sangiorgio, representing the goddess of Peace. The Arch of Peace is not just a monument, but also a political and social symbol reflecting the ambitions and transformations of Milan in the 19th century. The construction of the Arch of Peace was interrupted several times due to the political vicissitudes of the period, including the Napoleonic occupation and the Restoration. Initially conceived to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, the project was adapted to commemorate peace and European unity after the defeat of the French emperor. The laying of the first stone took place in 1807, but the works were only completed in 1838, under the reign of Ferdinand I of Austria. The inauguration ceremony was a grand event, with the participation of important dignitaries and a large military parade. Porta Sempione is not just the Arch of Peace. Two customs houses, designed in neoclassical style, flank the arch and represent a perfect example of functional architecture of the time. These buildings were used for collecting duties on goods entering the city, reflecting the commercial and strategic importance of this access point. Today, the customs houses have been restored and host exhibition and cultural spaces, continuing to play an active role in city life. The area of Porta Sempione has undergone numerous urban transformations over the centuries. In the 19th century, with the demolition of the Spanish bastions, the area was redesigned as a large open square connecting the Sforza Castle to the new Arch of Peace. This transformation made Porta Sempione not only a transit point, but also a place of aggregation and representation, integrating green spaces and pedestrian paths that promote public enjoyment. An intriguing aspect of Porta Sempione is its role in the recent history of Milan. During the Five Days of Milan in 1848, Porta Sempione was one of the points of conflict between Austrian troops and the insurgent Milanese. The Austrian army, commanded by Field Marshal Radetzky, used the gate as an escape route after being defeated. This event marked a crucial moment in the Italian Risorgimento, highlighting the strategic and symbolic importance of Porta Sempione in the struggle for national independence. In the 20th century, the area surrounding Porta Sempione continued to evolve, with the construction of new buildings and infrastructure enriching the urban context. Parco Sempione, located behind the arch, is a vast green space offering an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. The park, designed at the end of the 19th century, houses numerous monuments and attractions, including the Civic Aquarium and the Civic Arena, making the area a landmark for citizens and tourists.