Arco della Pace

The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) is one of the most famous symbols of Milan and one of the most important neoclassical monuments in the city.

Built using the Baveno granite and Creola d’Ossola marble, the Arch was started in 1807 by a project of architect Luigi Cagnola to celebrate the Napoleonic victories. The construction was then interrupted after the defeat of Napoleon in Waterloo and completed by Francis I of Austria who dedicated this monument to peace.

The Arch is rich in symbolic meaning and from time to time new anecdotes about the history of the monument come up. Here’s one: the position of the horses pulling the Chariot of Peace located above the arch has been modified by the Hapsburgs. Why? To mock the French after the fall of Napoleon of course: the horses have been turned by 180 degrees in order that their backside was oriented towards France.

Every time of the day is perfect to admire the Arch in all its majesty, but make sure that when you are around you take enough time. Located in the district with the same name, the Arch is surrounded by elegant palaces and by Parco Sempione, the “green lung” of Milan, which is definetely worth a visit (or, better, a walk through). The area has also a rather dense concentration of glamourous bars, clubs, and restaurants so you could combine culture with some “Milanese movida”!

Arco della Pace

Piazza Sempione, Milano