Tower Branca

The Branca Tower, located in Milan’s Sempione Park, is an emblematic example of Italian modernist architecture. Designed by architect Gio Ponti and built in 1933, the tower originally called Torre Littoria, represents a perfect synthesis of aesthetics and functionality, typical of Italian Rationalism of the 1930s. With its 108.6 meters in height, the steel structure offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, revealing an intricate dialogue between Milan’s historical architecture and new urban developments. The construction of the tower was rapid and efficient, completed in just 68 working days, thanks to the advanced steel construction techniques used by the company Angelo Bombelli Costruzioni Metalliche. The inauguration took place on August 10, 1933, during the V Triennale of Milan, in the presence of the Minister of Public Works Araldo di Crollalanza. The Branca Tower stands out not only for its structural grandeur, but also for its refined aesthetic simplicity. Its hexagonal section truncated pyramid shape, with sides gradually reducing towards the top, gives the tower a slender and dynamic appearance. The modular elements in Dalmine steel, flanged and bolted, emphasize the engineering precision and elegance of Ponti’s design. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to the Branca Tower concerns the height of the structure. Mussolini himself imposed a limit of 108.6 meters, declaring that “one cannot surpass the divine with the human”, referring to the height of the Madonnina of the Milan Cathedral, which must remain the tallest structure in the city. This decision reflects the political and cultural sensitivity of the period, in which fascism sought to balance modernity and tradition. Over the years, the tower has undergone various transformations. During World War II, the maintenance of the structure was neglected, and in 1972 it was declared unfit for use and closed to the public. In 1985, the tower was acquired by the distillery Fratelli Branca, which funded a major restoration project, bringing the tower back to its former glory. In 2002, the tower was reopened to the public, once again offering the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The Branca Tower is not just a viewpoint, but also a symbol of Milan’s architectural and cultural rebirth. Its presence in Sempione Park creates an interesting contrast with the other monumental architectures of the park, such as the Sforza Castle, the Arch of Peace, and the Palace of Art. This dialogue between ancient and modern enriches the experience of visitors, offering a complete view of Milan’s urban evolution.