Arch of Peace

The Arch of Peace is a neoclassical marble monument at the northern edge of Sempione Park, standing about 25 meters tall with Corinthian columns, sculptures, and detailed carved reliefs covering its facade. The structure displays ornate stonework throughout, creating a grand entrance to the park.

Construction began in 1807 under Napoleon's orders but was halted by political shifts and finally completed in 1838 under Austrian rule. The extended building period mirrors Europe's turbulent changes during this era.

The bronze chariot on top shows the goddess Minerva driving six horses, representing the wish for peace after the Napoleonic Wars. Locals and visitors see this sculpture as a key symbol of the square and the city's identity.

The monument sits at the northern end of the park and is easy to reach on foot, with good public transport connections nearby and the Sforza Castle close by. Visitors can enter freely during daylight hours and explore the interior, though the area gets crowded, especially on nice weather days.

The arch aligns precisely with the Simplon Pass, the historic route connecting Paris and Milan through the Swiss Alps. This alignment reveals how the monument was connected to the major trade routes of its time.

Location: Municipio 1

Inception: January 1, 1838

Architects: Luigi Cagnola

Official opening: 1838

Architectural style: Italian Neoclassical architecture

Inscription: ALLE SPERANZE DEL REGNO ITALICO|AUSPICE NAPOLEONE I|I MILANESI DEDICARONO DA SERVITU|FELICEMENTE RESTITUIRONO|L'ANNO MDCCCLIX|ARCHITETTO CAGNOLA

Made from material: marble

Part of: Porta Sempione

GPS coordinates: 45.47570,9.17241

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:19