Arco della Pace

Welcome to the Arco della Pace, or the Arch of Peace, one of Milan’s most iconic neoclassical landmarks. Standing at the northern edge of Parco Sempione, this grand structure marks what was historically the gateway to the city,…

The monumental arch you see today was not the first one to stand on this spot. The story begins in 1806 with a temporary arch made of wood and plaster. …

Following the fall of Napoleon in 1814, Milan came under the control of the Habsburg Empire of Austria. For a while, construction on the arch ceased. …

Look up at the very top of the arch, where you will see its most striking feature: the 'Sestiga della Pace'. This is a massive bronze sculpture depicting a chariot drawn by six horses, guided by the Goddess of Peace. …

As you walk around the base of the arch, take time to examine the marble bas-reliefs that decorate the pillars and the attic. These carvings are a fascinating study in political propaganda. …

The Arco della Pace does not stand alone; it is flanked by two identical neoclassical buildings known as the 'Caselli Daziari,' or Customs Toll Houses. Together with the arch, they form what is known as 'Porta Sempione'—one of…

As we conclude our exploration of the Arco della Pace, take a moment to look back at the monument from the green expanse of Parco Sempione. The arch sits at the end of a long visual axis that connects it directly to the Sforzesco…