Milan across the century
15/09/2017There is a centuries-old bond between Milan and Style, making it not only the Italian fashion capital, but also an example of city to live in, where culture, architecture and green spaces are blend together in a unique mix of vitality, from historical to nowadays landmarks.
The world famous Academy of Fine Arts, the Accademia delle Belle Arti di Brera, was founded in the early 17th century and known for its courtyard, the "Cortile d'onore" that was designed by Francesco Maria Richini and later became the archetype of the Lombard courtyard.
A bronze statue of Napoleon in the guise of Mars the Peacemaker, cast in Rome to a design by Antonio Canova, was erected in the centre of the courtyard in 1859. Porticos, courtyards, hallways and corridors were chosen throughout the 19th century as settings for monuments publicly celebrating artists, benefactors, humanists and scientists associated with Brera and the Braidense library, accessible through a monumental staircase.
One spot definitely not to miss among the most recent additions to Milan cultural landscape is the new home of Fondazione Prada, the contemporary art institution for arts and culture founded by Miuccia Prada. gin distillery dating from 1910 in the Largo Isarco industrial complex on the southern edge of Milan, the recently renewed Fondazione Prada building is a coexistence of new and regenerated buildings including warehouses, laboratories and brewing silos, as well as new buildings surrounding a large courtyard.
Milan is a game of directions: the horizontal developing of the Naviglio canals, sorrounding the city with water paths livening up the neighborhood with endless flocks of tourists and local night and daylife, markets and events, and the vertical climb of the brand new skyscrapers in Porta Nuova and Citylife districts, with the unique Bosco Verticale by architect Stefano Boeri, hosting over 2000 different plants and standing as symbol of the new ideal of MIlan's living - innovative, green and awesome.
There is plenty of different architectural styles to look for: from the rigorous geometric shapes of rationalist architecture from the 40's, to the contemporary curved designs of Porta Nuova, standing in harmony one by another between the Garibaldi and Isola neighborhoods.
Senato Hotel is a bridge and an ode to Milan's past and present iconic sights, with its distinguished and welcoming building, the view of the city and the inner peaceful court, and a secret garden to hide to breath in all of the city's style and tales. A strategic haven to start exploring the city and live it like a true milanese.
The Neoclassic style from Lombardy speaks perfectly with the contemporary designs of Senato Hotel, from the hall to each of the 43 rooms, perfectly blending Milan's centuries-strong unique atmosphere and the dynamism of today's newest fashion.