ÅVONTUURA is excited to announce the launch of its Architecture Guide to Milan; the 20th guide in its ground-breaking Wandering Series.
Today we’re headed back to Italy to celebrate the country’s fashion and financial hub. Milan has a rich architectural history that reflects its role as a crossroads of culture and innovation. From its Roman foundations to its Renaissance grandeur, Milan has long been a city where art, industry, and creativity converge. The city’s architectural evolution mirrors its dynamic spirit, embracing historical preservation while pioneering new design frontiers.
At the heart of Milan’s historic architecture lies the breathtaking Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline with its intricate spires and statues. Nearby, the imposing Castello Sforzesco stands as a testament to the city’s Renaissance past, blending fortification with elegance. Just a short walk away, the Museo del Novecento celebrates 20th-century Italian art within the Palazzo dell’Arengario, an architectural gem that bridges the past and present.
Milan’s embrace of modernity is evident in mid-century icons like the Torre Velasca, whose bold, Brutalist silhouette pays homage to medieval Milanese towers. Equally striking is the Gallaratese Quarter, designed by Aldo Rossi and Carlo Aymonino, where rationalist architecture meets poetic urban design, showcasing the intellectual depth of Milan’s architectural discourse.
In recent years, Milan has emerged as a global epicenter for contemporary architecture. The Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri Architetti redefines urban living with its verdant, tree-clad towers, while Herzog & de Meuron’s Feltrinelli Porta Volta is a minimalist ode to Milan’s intellectual heritage. The Fondazione Prada, designed by OMA, transforms an industrial complex into a cultural haven, blending old and new with bold, visionary flair. Milan’s architectural landscape is a testament to its enduring creativity and innovation, offering endless inspiration for travelers and design enthusiasts alike.
Features
1. The cover features a unique architectural icon that celebrates a local project and is illustrated as a wandering path, capturing the joy of architecture and discovery.
Cover Illustration: Feltrinelli Porta Volta by Herzog & de Meuron
2. A map identifying the general locations of the buildings, major and medium-sized road networks,
urban areas, watersheds, parks and other natural features.
3. A Recommended Route identifying a must-see network of buildings and landmarks, with dashed
lines indicating routes for contemporary, modern and historical interests.
4. A Legend of selected architectural projects featuring beautifully detailed building icons, the name of
the architect(s) / designers involved, and an address for where it can be found.
5. QR code connecting you to our digital guide with pinned locations and directions in Google Maps.
