Thursday, September 4, 2014

Arco della Pace, Milan

Recently my Austrlian Penpal sent me photos from his trip to Milan, Italy, including photos of the Porta Sempione. The centerpiece of this city gate is the Arco della Pace, or Arch of Peace, designed by Luigi Cagnola in the early 19th century.
The arch replaced an ancient Roman wall and gateway which were called Jupiter's gate or Porta Giovia. The significance behind the arch remains a mystery. It was either built in wood in 1806 for the marriage of Eugene Beauharnais with a Bavarian princess and later recreated in more permanent marble, or was designed for Napolean in 1807. Either way the arch wasn't completed until 1838 for Emperor Francis II, 5 years after Cagnola's death. Flanking the arch are exquisite neoclassical customs houses.
 Other than the iconic Parisian Arc de Triomphe it remains the largest structure of its kind.
 The construction of the sculpture reliefs are not only marble but also wood, bronze, and stucco.
If you find yourself in Milan, take a break from shopping to check out the Aro della Pace!
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5 comments:

  1. KarenaSeptember 4, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    Magnificent!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dean FarrisSeptember 4, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    So beautiful!
    I recall being in la stazione in Milano en route to Venice-
    Hoping to re-visit Milan soon!

    Dean

    ReplyDelete
  3. StephiliusSeptember 4, 2014 at 3:44 PM

    Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mark D. RuffnerSeptember 4, 2014 at 9:15 PM

    Hi, Stefan,

    Thanks for sharing this arch — I was heretofore completely unfamiliar with it! I'm really attracted to the custums house. With its top story and symmrtrical sides, it has quite the feel of Palladio.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Row homes and CobblestonesSeptember 5, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Hi Stefan,
    Gorgeous and thanks for posting this. Porta Semptone (the Arch of Peace) is beautiful. A symbolic message flawless in it's intricate and elaborate use of materials. I must one day visit this arch.
    Vera

    ReplyDelete

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