Milan is a city that with its secrets and anecdotes offers a surprising journey through time and history. Many facts about the Lombard capital are well known, but others are obscure even to the locals. From copies of the Madonnina spire to curiosities about real estate, here are some interesting facts about Milan that you should know.
Milan had its own Statue of Liberty before New York
One of the curiosities about Milan's cathedral (known as the "Duomo" to the locals, concerns its statues. Hidden among the spires is the "Statue of the New Law", which may have been the inspiration for New York's famous Statue of Liberty. The Milanese one, in fact, was inaugurated in 1810, a full 75 years before the American one.
Although the theme is different, the similarities are striking: both have a torch and their heads encircled by a crown. Although this is a hypothesis, often refuted in the past, it is a good opportunity to learn more about the thousands of treasures that the Duomo holds.
There are four Madonnina spires in Milan
Not everyone knows that the famous Madonnina spire, the symbol of Milan that soars from the cathedral, is not unique. There are at least three other replicas that pay homage to this iconic statue. Tradition states that the Madonnina is the highest point in the city and for this reason, every building above the Duomo has a replica of the Madonnina.
The first one was placed on the Pirelli skyscraper, Milan's tallest building until 2010, then another on the Palazzo Lombardia, which is an impressive 161.3 metres high. In 2015, with the completion of the Isozaki Tower, another Madonnina was placed at the top, taking the skyscraper to 209.2 metres.
Milan is among the most popular cities for Italian VIPs
It is well known that Milan has an incredible appeal and this drives many celebrities to look for a home in the city. VIPs currently living in Milan include Simona Ventura, Amadeus, J-Ax and many others.
From the point of view of real estate in Milan, on the other hand, there are a wide range of alternatives. On idealista you can find both property for sale and property for rent in the city, and if you just want to head to Milan for the weekend, you can also check our our selection of holiday rentals in the city.
The Rite of the Bull in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the most curious and fascinating superstitions in Milan is linked to a mosaic located in the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. According to local tradition, turning your right heel three times on the genitals of the bull depicted in the mosaic brings good luck. This ritual has now become an almost obligatory gesture for tourists and locals alike.
Despite its playful origin, the ritual has taken on a broader meaning over time, becoming an auspicious symbol for all those visiting Milan. It is no coincidence that today there is a small sinkhole at the mosaic: a sign that the tradition is still alive.
The "Bocca della Verità" can also be found in Milan
One of Milan's lesser-known curiosities is hidden in the Dergano district: the presence of a Mouth of Truth ("Bocca della Verità"). This sculpture, evoking the famous Roman mask 'capable' of cutting off the hand of liars, is located in a quiet street, far from the traditional destinations.
The presence of this sculpture in Milan arouses curiosity not only because of its unusual appearance but also because of the context in which it is located. The small street is in fact lined with poems and a few murals, making it an artistic corner in the residential district of Dergano.
Ghosts a few steps from Milan Cathedral
Palazzo Carmagnola, located a few hundred metres from the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, now houses a theatre, but has been central to Milanese history for centuries. Its original owner was beheaded in Venice, a circumstance that many believe started a series of turbulent happenings. One of the ghosts that still haunts the palace's walls today is that of Cecilia Gallerani. She is best known as the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's painting The Lady with an Ermine.
In Milan there is no Via Roma
Although there is a Via Roma in most Italian cities, Milan is strangely an exception. The minor controversy erupted in 2005, when Mayor Veltroni pointed out the peculiarity. In reality, however, a Corso Roma did exist in the city: it was the current Corso di Porta Romana.
After the fascist period, with the suppression of Corso Roma, there were no more initiatives to name a street after the capital. On the contrary, there is a Via Milano in the city of Rome and it is located in the centre, near Via Nazionale.
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