Palazzo dell'Aeronautica, Monumentalist building in Piazza Novelli, Milan, Italy.
Palazzo dell'Aeronautica is a monumental building on Piazza Novelli in Milan that rises five stories and features a marble tower. The complex combines straight sections along Via Verrocchio with a curved section at Via Gaio, housing four main structures: the Command Palace, the Generals' Palace for senior staff, and two barracks reached from side streets.
Construction of this Air Force headquarters began in 1935 under architect Luigi Lorenzo Secchi and continued through World War II until completion in 1948. The project took over a decade to finish, reflecting the extended timeframe needed for such large state buildings.
A chapel dedicated to Virgin Lauretana sits within the complex, reflecting the spiritual life of those who worked here. A memorial honoring fallen aviators was moved to this location and remains as a place of remembrance.
The complex sits centrally in Milan and is reachable from multiple street sides, with barracks accessible through side entrances. Visitors should note this is a government building and access may be restricted.
During its construction, the building used only Italian materials including marble from the Apuan Alps, following strict government guidelines to minimize metallic components. These requirements reflected the economic priorities of that era.
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