SFORZA CASTLE, Sempione Park - Arch Of Peace
- Audio File length: 2.52
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
-
Language: English / USA
You're in the Arch of Peace Square, a monument which, just like the Arena dates back to Napoleon Bonaparte and was built in the early nineteenth century. As you can see, it has a magnificent group of sculptures in bronze with a chariot drawn by six horses. The marble statues and reliefs are a fine example of early nineteenth-century, neoclassical style sculpture. The entire Arch is inspired by the ancient Roman models.
Now look at those two low-rise buildings to the sides of the Arch, dating back to when Milan was an autonomous state: do you know what they were used for? They were customs buildings, where people paid taxes on goods entering the city.
While you're standing in the square, don't forget to admire Sempione Park's most famous view: with Sforza Castle in the background, appearing here as if it were framed between two black and white curtains. These curtains are a very original installation by the twentieth-century artist Alberto Burri, which he entitled Teatro Continuo. On the right you can see Park Tower, a metal tower 108 meters high.
Now pause the guide and go to the Triennial Palace....