Places that preserve knowledge and art in a city able to combine them to create a stimulating and innovative scenery.
In 1452, the Palazzo Reale was remodelled by Francesco Sforza. In the 18th Century, the palace served as a seat of the Spanish and Austrian governors, and became first permanent resident of Charles III of Bourbon. The structure was again renovated by the famous architect Giuseppe Piermarini, but later suffered severe damages during the Second World War. Thirty rooms of the palace, on the second floor, have been restored to their original appearance.
The It was built as Ducal Chapel by Azzone Visconti in 1330, and finished in 1336, as indicated by an inscription on the walls. It was originally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin but Azzone, who suffered from gout, later changed the dedication to St. Gotthard of Hildesheim, patron of gout sufferers. The design was by Francesco Pecorari from Cremona.
The octagonal bell tower has the first example of public clock (before sun-dials were used).
The interior was restored in the Neoclassicist era by Giocondo Albertolli. Of the original church, part of the Giottesque Crucifixion, a canvas with St. Charles Borromeo by Giovan Battista Crespi and the tomb of Azzone Visconti remain. Inside the church there are important artworks of Battista Crespi known as "Il Cerano" and Giovanni di Balduccio.
The church and its mediaeval Ossuary were connected to Brolo hospital; it belonged to the Order of Disciplini, an Order dedicated to caring for the dying until 1786. The present church, presenting an unusual octagonal layout, was completed by Merlo in 1754. The three-order façade was made by architect Biffi, in 1937 Reggiori added the Rectory.
"Cà Granda" (i.e. Big House) was dreamt by Francesco Sforza, that in 1456 decided to unify in one institution, the numerous hospital houses scattered through out the city. As soon as Antonio Averulino, known as Filarete, signed the initial building project, there were numerous great architects who wanted to join in its development.
The results were strikingly unique patterns, style, and decorations. The central building designed by Filarete is a great example of architecture in transition, with renaissance elements that evokes gothic style. The inside is overpowered by a majestic courtyard with colonnade and an extravagant loggia. The Cà Granda was an Hospital until 1942; it currently houses the University of Milan.
The Velasca Tower is part of the first generation of Italian modern architecture. The tower, approximately 100 meters tall, has a peculiar and characteristic shape: that of a "mushroom".
The tower stands out in the city skyline, made of domes, buildings and other towers. Its structure reminds that of the Lombard tradition, made of medieval fortresses and towers, each having a massive profile. In such fortresses, the lower parts were always narrower, while the higher parts propped up by wooden boards or stone beams. As a consequence, the shape of this building is the result of a modern interpretation of the typical Italian medieval castle. At the same time this building satisfied the functional needs of space: narrower surfaces on the ground, wider and more spacious ones on the top floors.
The church was built by St. Ambrose starting from 382 on the road that connected Milan to Rome. It was originally dedicated to the Apostles, and known as Basilica Apostolorum. As explained by an inscription in the church written by Ambrose himself, the church’s plan was on the Greek Cross with apses on the arms, a feature present only in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. In front of the basilica was a colonnade atrium.
Under the basilica's altar were housed the relics of the Apostles, which are still present.
In 397, when the body of St. Nazarus was discovered, a new apse was created. Serena, niece of emperor Theodosius I, donated the marbles for the votive chapel. Starting from 1512 Bramantino built the Trivulzio Mausoleum.
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