Many European cities have built triumphal arches in the past, and Milan is no exception. It boasts the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), which was built on the site of the ancient Porta Semipone gate, which formed part of the city’s Roman fortifications in antiquity.

Although Milan’s arch certainly does not rival the fame of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is nonetheless one of the city’s main landmarks.

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History and dimensions of the arch

Construction of the Arch of Peace began in 1807 during the Napoleonic era, after Milan became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, construction was temporarily halted, but the arch was fully completed in 1838.

The arch features elements of Neoclassical architecture; it is 25 metres high and adorned with numerous sculptural groups and Corinthian columns. Unlike the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is not possible to climb to the roof; there is no viewing platform here.

How to get to the arch?

The Arco della Pace stands on the northern side of the large Sempione Park; you can walk there from Sforzesco Castle, one of Milan’s leading landmarks, in about 20 minutes.

The best way to get directly to the arch is by tram lines 1 and 10, which stop just about 60 metres from the centre of Piazza Sempione, where the arch stands.

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