The Arch of Peace
Milan is a city full of curiosities and the Arch of Peace has its own story to tell. Placed in the centre of the open space, just behind the Sempione Park, the Arch of Peace looks directly Paris. Creating a line from the Ville Lumière and the centre of Milan.
The construction of the Arch was strongly supported by the City Council of Milan and by Napoleon, more than two centuries ago. Along its history, it passed through many vicissitudes between French and Austrians.
Toward Milan or toward france?
We know, Nations can be like kids and they like to tease each other. That’s why the horses at the top of the monument, that originally faced France, were turned by the Austrians in order to show their backsides to our cousins.
The curiosity for that horses, backsides shown to France and proudly staring the City centre of Milan, raised that day that I passed in front of them looking for photos together with my beloved camera.
Champs Elysées vs Corso Sempione
This is not the only curiosity of Milan that I discovered that day and that will horrify our friends from Paris, Corso Sempione. This avenue that starts from the Arch of Peace has an overall length bigger than the one of the Champs Elysées of Paris. Did you know it? Anyway, apart from the lenght challanges, Corso Sampione is facing France. Ideally, if you would start walking down Corso Sempione you would just walk along a long line up to the french oustanding capital: Paris.
Why not an aperitif
If you are already in the area of the Arch of Peace, don’t miss the chance to get a fancy aperitif with a view over the Sempione Park. If you want to have a walk around you might spot also one of the mysterious fountains I described in this other post.
Enjoy!
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