Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

70  MILAN AREA B Y AREA

2 Parco Sempione Barzaghi), De Chirico’s ceramic tiles and statues of
Metaphysical construction aquatic animals, dominated by
Piazza Castello–Piazza Sempione
(Eight entrances around perimeter). Mysterious Baths, the sulphur Oreste Labò’s statue of Neptune.
Map 2 F3–4, 3 A3–4. q 1 Cadorna, water fountain near the Arena
Cairoli, 2 Lanza, Cadorna. £ Ferrovie and the Torre del Parco, a 4 Arena Civica
Nord, Cadorna. v 1, 4, 12, 14, 108-m (354-ft) tower made
19, 27. @ 18, 43, 57, 58, 61, 94. of steel tubes in 1932 after Via Legnano, Viale Elvezia.
Open Mar–Apr: 6:30am–9pm; a design by Giò Ponti. Map 3 A-B3. q 2 Lanza. v 2, 4,
May: 6:30am–10pm; Jun–Sep: 12, 14. @ 57. Open for exhibitions
6:30am–11:30pm; Oct: 6:30am–9pm; and events only.
Nov–Feb: 6:30am–8pm. 3 Acquario Civico
This impressive Neo-Classical
Viale Gadio 2. Map 3 B4. Tel 02-88
Although it covers an area of 46 57 50. q 2 Lanza. v 2, 4, 12, 14. amphitheatre, designed in
about 47 ha (116 acres), this @ 57. Open 9am–1pm, 2– 5:30pm 1806 by Luigi Canonica, was –
park occupies only a part of Tue–Sun. ∑ acquariocivico together with the Arco della
the old Visconti ducal garden, milano.eu Pace, Caselli Daziari and Foro
enlarged by the Sforza in the Buonaparte – part of the
15th century to make a 300-ha The Civic Aquarium was built by project to transform the
(740-acre) hunting reserve. Sebastiano Locati for the 1906 Castello Sforzesco area into
The area was partly abandoned National Exposition, and it is the a monumental civic centre.
during Spanish rule, and in the only remaining building. Napoleon was present at
early 1800s part of it was used Its 36 tanks house the Arena inaugura-
to create a parade ground about 100 species tion, and it was the
extending as far as the Arco (fish, crustaceans, venue for various
della Pace. The present-day molluscs and cultural and
layout was the work of Emilio echinoderms) sports events,
Alemagna, who in 1890–93 typical of the from horse and
designed it along the lines of an Mediterranean mock Roman
English garden. In World War II sea and Italian chariot races
the park was used to cultivate freshwater fauna. to hot-air balloon
wheat, but after the reconstruc- There are also rare launchings, mock
tion period it returned to its kinds of tropical Sea creature decorating the naval battles and
former splendour as a locals’ fish on display.The façade of the Aquarium festivities. With a
haunt, especially in spring and aquarium museum seating capacity
summer, when it plays host is also home to the of 30,000, it has also been
to many entertainment events. Hydrobiological Station, which a football stadium, but San
Walking through the park has a library specializing in the Siro (see p72) is now the more
after dark is not advisable. subject. The aquarium building important ground. The Arena
Standing among the trees are itself (1906) is a fine example of is mainly a venue for athletics
the monuments to Napoleon III Art Nouveau architecture and is (it has a 500-m, 1,640-ft track),
(designed by Francesco decorated with Richard-Ginori concerts and civil weddings.

The Parco Sempione: in the foreground, the artificial lake and in the background, the Castello Sforzesco

070-071_EW_Milan.indd 70 20/10/16 3:19 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 1st October 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm