Torre Branca


Torre Branca is an iron panoramic tower located in Parco Sempione, the main city park of Milan, Italy. It is 108.6 m high, which makes it the sixth highest structure in Milan after Unicredit Tower, Palazzo Lombardia, Pirellone or Pirelli Tower and the Breda Tower. The top of the tower is a panoramic point whose view, on a clear day, may encompass the Milan cityline as well as the Alps, the Apennines, and part of the Po Valley.

History

The tower was designed by architect Gio Ponti and inaugurated in 1933, in the Fascist era during the 5th edition of the Milan Triennial. It was originally named "Torre Littoria" after fascio littorio, i.e., the fasces. After World War II it was renamed "Torre del Parco". In 1972, access to the top of the tower was closed as the structure needed restoring. It was restructured in 2002 by the Branca liquor company, and thus renamed Torre Branca. Since 2002 it is again open to the public.