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Some interesting facts about Milan that you may not have known
Milan is a city rich in history, art and culture. It is known worldwide for its fashion, design and economic vitality. However, behind its elegant facades and famous monuments, there are hidden corners and surprising stories that many people do not know about. Here are some interesting facts about Milan that you may have missed.
1. The Statue of Liberty in Milan
Perhaps not everyone knows that Milan has its own “Statue of Liberty.” This statue is located inside the Cathedral and represents Liberty. The statue, made in 1810, stands in the South Gallery and seems to predate by several decades New York’s far more famous Statue of Liberty, unveiled in 1886. The resemblance is striking, and some believe that the creator of the New York statue, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, may have been inspired by the one in Milan.
2. The Colossus of St. Charles
Another little-known curiosity is the presence of the Colossus of St. Charles Borromeo, located in Arona, on Lake Maggiore, but historically linked to Milan. This giant statue, 35 meters high, is one of the tallest statues in the world and can be visited inside. It is possible to climb up to the saint’s head and admire the surrounding landscape through the eyes of the statue.
3. The Velasca Tower and Brutal Modernism.
Milan is famous for its modern skyscrapers, but one of the most iconic is the Torre Velasca, a rare example of Brutalist architecture in the heart of the city. Built in the 1950s, the tower is notable for its distinctive shape reminiscent of a medieval castle. This building is a symbol of post-war architectural innovation and continues to spark debate among architecture enthusiasts.
4. Secrets of the Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is one of the symbols of Milan, but few people know that it hides an intricate system of underground tunnels. These secret passages, used in the past for military purposes, extend for miles beneath the city. Some of these tunnels can still be explored by guided tours, offering a fascinating glimpse into Milan’s military and civilian history.
5. La Scala Theater and Its Legends
La Scala Theater is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, but it hides some curious legends. One of these involves the ghost of La Scala, said to be that of Maria Malibran, a famous opera singer of the 19th century. According to legend, the ghost would appear during performances, bringing good luck or bad luck to the performers.
6. The Mystery of the Inner Canal
Milan was once traversed by a network of navigable canals, the Navigli, which were largely covered in the 1930s. However, few people know that an underground canal, the Inner Canal, still exists under the city. This canal is partly still visible in some parts of the city, such as on St. Mark’s Street, where a section has been unearthed. There is also an ongoing project to unearth other sections of these ancient waterways.
7. The Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa
One of the most macabre churches in Milan is San Bernardino alle Ossa, famous for its ossuary. The ossuary, located next to the church, is decorated with artistically arranged human bones and skulls. This practice dates back to the 13th century, when the bones were used to decorate the chapel due to lack of space in the cemetery. Visiting this church is a unique experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and religious practices of the past.
8. The Quadrilateral of Silence
Not far from the bustling Piazza San Babila, there is an area called the “Quadrilateral of Silence.” This area is an oasis of tranquility, characterized by Art Nouveau villas and hidden gardens. One of the most fascinating places in the Quadrilateral is the garden of Villa Invernizzi, famous for the pink flamingos that inhabit it. These elegant birds are an unusual attraction in the heart of the city and are an unexpected natural wonder.
9. The Last Supper and Its Secrets.
Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper,” located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, hides some intriguing secrets. For example, many people do not know that Leonardo used an experimental dry painting technique, rather than the traditional fresco technique, to create this work. This choice, unfortunately, made the painting particularly vulnerable to deterioration. In addition, some theories suggest that Leonardo included hidden messages in the painting, such as symbolic and numerical references related to his esoteric knowledge.
10. The Round Houses
Another architectural curiosity are the “round houses” of Milan, located in the Quarto Oggiaro neighborhood. These circular buildings were built in the 1970s as an experiment in innovative housing. Round houses are a unique example of modern architecture and represent an interesting attempt to create more harmonious and communal living spaces.
Milan is a city that never ceases to surprise. Behind its modern and cosmopolitan facade lie fascinating stories and mysterious places just waiting to be discovered.
Next time you visit this fascinating city, take the time to explore these hidden corners and immerse yourself in its lesser-known curiosities!
