Spanning over 7,000 square meters, the Royal Palace regularly collaborates with renowned museums and cultural institutions from around the world to bring incredible collections to its visitors. With more than 1,500 masterpieces on display annually, it truly showcases the best of the art world.
Originally designed with two courtyards, the Palazzo had to make room for the grandeur of the nearby Duomo. However, it still retains its majestic presence, located to the right of the Duomo's facade and opposite the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The Palazzo's facade creates a recess in Piazza del Duomo, creating a stunning courtyard known as the Piazzetta Reale, or the "Small Royal Square."
One of the Palazzo's most famous features is the Hall of Caryatids, located on the main floor. Unfortunately, this area suffered heavy damage during World War II's air raids, but it has been preserved and remains a testament to the resilience of this historic site.
The origins of the Royal Palace can be traced back to medieval times when it was known as the "Palazzo del Broletto Vecchio" and served as the seat of the city's government. It later became a key political center under various ruling families, including the Torriani, Visconti, and Sforza households.
After the construction of the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, the Palazzo underwent extensive renovations under the government of Francesco I Sforza. It was during this time that the court was moved from Castello Sforzesco to the Palazzo, cementing its status as the official residence.
Over the years, the Palazzo saw further transformations and expansions. Notably, Governor Ferrante Gonzaga played a crucial role in turning it into a palace befitting a governor, with new rooms dedicated to official functions. To achieve this, the old church of Sant'Andrea al Muro Rotto was demolished, and a passageway was created to connect the Palazzo to the Church of San Gottardo, the court's official place of worship.
In the late 16th century, the Royal Palace underwent another renovation under Governor Antonio de Guzman y Zúñiga, Marquis of Ayamonte. This time, Pellegrino Tibaldi, a trusted architect of Archbishop Charles Borromeo, oversaw the project. Tibaldi coordinated the redecoration of the apartments' porticoes, the private chapel, and the Church of San Gottardo, with contributions from esteemed artists of the time.
The Royal Palace also boasted a Court Theater, completed during this period. Although it was sadly lost to a fire, it was the first of many theaters built in Milan, leading up to the construction of the renowned La Scala in the 18th century.
The current theater at the Royal Palace was reconstructed in the early 18th century under the patronage of the Count of Loewenstein. Designed by Francesco Galli Bibbiena and his pupils Giandomenico Barbieri and Domenico Valmagini, it continues to enchant visitors with its beauty.
So, indulge in the rich history and artistic treasures of the Royal Palace of Milan. It stands as a testament to the city's grandeur and will surely leave you in awe of its timeless beauty.
