Echoes of War Exploring Milan’s WWII History

March 23, 1919, is a pivotal date in Italian history. That day, in Milan’s Piazza San Sepolcro, on the first floor of the 15th-century Palazzo Castani, former socialist Benito Mussolini founded the Italian Fascist Combat Groups (Fasci italiani di combattimento).

During World War II, Milan was bombed multiple times, with the most catastrophic raid taking place on the night of August 1943. In a single night, the city was struck three times, reducing large areas to rubble. Even the iconic Duomo was not spared from the destruction. In total, 504 aircraft were sent to devastate Milan, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.

The Merchant's Loggia stands as a powerful symbol of Milanese resistance. Here, you will discover the poignant stories of the fallen partisans, their names commemorated on 19 plaques, each representing a chapter of courage and sacrifice in the fight for freedom.

Just a short walk from the Galleria, the Albergo Regina is a luxurious hotel built in the late 19th century within an aristocratic palace on Via dei Librai. In 1943, it was occupied by the Waffen-SS Adolf Hitler division and became a notorious detention center for partisans, Jews, and civilians suspected of aiding the Resistance, earning the infamous nickname 'Hotel Gestapo' among the Milanese.

The square is named after the 16th-century Church of San Fedele, which overlooks it. It was heavily damaged during World War II by Anglo-American bombings and was destroyed on three sides. Only the monument to Alessandro Manzoni (1883), whose family home was in nearby Piazza Belgiojoso, survived in the center.

Teatro alla Scala is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Italy and Europe. It was severely damaged during the Royal Air Force's Allied bombing raids on the night of August 15-16, 1943. Its roof was shattered and covered with temporary roofing until restoration work began.