The Parco Sempione was built on land that once was considered a private park, and part of the Castello Sforzesco.  It was built between 1888 and 1894, and was designed by the architect, Emilio Alemagna.

The Ponte delle Sirenette was designed by the architect Francesco Tettamanzi, and dates from 1840.  The bridge was originally commissioned for use over the canal, on today’s Via Uberto Visconti di Modrone.  It was moved to its current location in the park in 1930, when many of the city’s canals were covered up.  In 1943, one of the mermaid statues was damaged during a bombing.  Another statue was stolen in 1948.  The two missing mermaids were finally replaced by bronze copies in 1954.

Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, also known as Palazzo Affari, dates from 1562, and was designed by the architect,  Vincenzo Seregni.  The tower belonged to the building that had formerly occupied the space, and was designed by Napo Torriani.  The building originally functioned as the seat of the Collegio dei Nobili Dottori, which was a school for aspiring politicians and lawyers.  Since 1922, it has been the home of the local Chamber of Commerce.

As we approached the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo, the crowds grew thicker.  There were people everywhere!  The lines, to enter the Duomo, were unbelievable!  We were thankful we had not planned on doing any of the typical tourist type things in the city, during this stay, as we had never seen it so crowded.

The Chiesa di San Raffaele is at Via San Raffaele, #3.  It dates from before 903.  The façade we see today dates from 1890, and is the work of the architect, Paolo Cesa Bianchi.

Next up: Our last day in Milan is spent exploring the City Life District, as well as attending a concert!

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Milan, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!