Arco della Pace is one of Milan's most important tourist attractions. It is located in the Sempione district, on the edge of the Sempione Park. It is an impressive triumphal arch that is 25 meters high, 24 meters wide and 12 meters deep.
The arch was built in the years 1807-1838 at the behest of Napoleon Bonaparte as a symbol of peace after the Napoleonic Wars. During the construction period, Milan was under French rule, so the arch was built in imitation of the arches of victory that were built in the times of the ancient Romans.
Arco della Pace was designed by the architect Luigi Cagnola, who started construction in 1806. However, due to financial and political difficulties caused by the change in the political situation after the fall of Napoleon, the work lasted until 1838. During this time, Cagnola died and Luigi Buzzi completed the work.
During the construction work, after part of the arch had been erected, Luigi Cagnola realized that his project was too high and out of budget. Instead of limiting the height of the arch, however, Cagnola decided to reduce the size of the statues that would stand on top of the arch. As a result, the statues are so small that they are barely visible from the ground. This decision by the architect was criticized by many, but now it is one of the greatest curiosities related to Arco della Pace.
The arch consists of three passages, the middle of which is 17 meters high
and a width of 8 meters. The facade of the arch is decorated with sculptures depicting allegories of peace, freedom and education. At the top of the arch is a statue of Frederick August I, King of Saxony, who was one of Napoleon's allies.
The Arco della Pace was also a symbol of the Austrian power that took over Milan after the fall of Napoleon in 1815. In the interwar period, when Italy became a republic, the arch became a place of national celebrations. It was damaged by Allied bombing during World War II, but was rebuilt in the 1950s.
Today, Arco della Pace is a popular tourist and cultural destination in Milan. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops around the arch, as well as a place to rest and relax in Sempione Park. The arch is also often used as a venue for various cultural and sporting events.