Old Map of Milan, 1832: Duomo, Sforza Castle, Piazza d'Armi, Royal Palace, Lazzaretto

Step back in time with the captivating "Milan (Milano)" map, crafted in 1832 by the esteemed Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK). This exquisite map offers a detailed glimpse into Milan's rich history, capturing the city as it lay within its Spanish walls during a period of rapid expansion. The map's intricate design showcases Milan's symmetric layout, with the majestic Sforza Castle serving as a central axis. It's a fascinating representation of a city on the brink of transformation, making it an invaluable piece for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The map meticulously details Milan's fortified walls and city gates, offering a window into the architectural prowess of the era. Notable landmarks such as the iconic Duomo, the Royal Palace, and Bonaparte's Villa are prominently featured, each a testament to Milan's cultural and historical significance. These structures, some of which still stand today, provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing viewers to explore the city's evolution over nearly two centuries.

One of the map's most striking features is its depiction of the Piazza d'Armi, now known as Sempione Park. This large green space, along with the surrounding moats and waterways, highlights the importance of natural elements in the urban landscape of 19th-century Milan. The map also illustrates the Conchetta district, where remnants of the ancient moat can still be found, offering a unique blend of historical and geographical insights.

The SDUK's dedication to educational excellence is evident in the detailed illustrations of twelve significant public buildings along the map's bottom edge. These scaled comparisons provide a unique perspective on Milan's architectural grandeur, including structures like the now-demolished Lazzaretto, a former quarantine center. Such attention to detail underscores the map's value as both an educational tool and a work of art.

Milan's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Borgo di Porta Romana and Borgo di Porta Ticinese, are intricately woven into the map's fabric, offering a snapshot of the city's bustling urban life. The inclusion of major thoroughfares and piazzas, like Piazza del Duomo and Corso di Porta Vercellina, further enriches the narrative, inviting viewers to imagine the daily rhythms of a bygone era. This map is not just a depiction of a city; it's a journey through time, capturing the essence of Milan's historical and cultural legacy.

Streets and roads on this map

• Borgo degli Ortolani
• Borgo di Porta Nuova
• Borgo di Porta Orientale
• Borgo di Porta Romana
• Borgo di Porta Ticinese
• Borgo di Porta Vercellina
• Corso di Porta Nuova
• Corso di Porta Orientale
• Corso di Porta Romana
• Corso di Porta Ticinese
• Corso di Porta Vercellina
• Piazza del Duomo
• Piazza del Mercanti
• Strada di Circonvallazione
• Strada di San Giovanni
• Strada di San Maurilio
• Strada di San Pietro all'Orto
• Strada di Santa Margherita
• Strada di Santa Sofia
• Strada del Monte
• Strada del Senato
• Strada del Torchio
• Strada della Moscova
• Strada della Passarella
• Strada della Signora
• Strada della Zecca
• Strada di Brera
• Strada di Borghetto
• Strada di Fontana
• Strada di San Damiano

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Duomo
• Sforza Castle
• Royal Palace
• Bonaparte's Villa
• Lazzaretto (quarantine center)
• Conchetta district
• Piazza d'Armi (now Sempione Park)
• Illustrations of twelve important public buildings

Historical and design context

• Created in 1832 by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK)
• Detailed town plan with a focus on architectural and urban features
• Illustrates Milan's urban structure within the Spanish walls
• Symmetric city layout with Sforza Castle as a focal point
• Comparison of important public buildings drawn to scale at the bottom
• Captures Milan before significant modern expansions and demolitions

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.