Building work on the Arco della Pace began in 1801 under the instructions of Napoleon, but it wasn’t completed until 1838 in time for the coronation of Ferdinando I as King of Lombardy-Venetia. It is the creation of architect Luigi Cagnola and inspired by Settimo Severo’s arch in Rome. It is a massive structure with three colossal Corinthian columns with custom boxes on either side. It was after the fortifications of Castello Sforzesco were destroyed in 1801 that a large space was created for the Piazza Sempione and a landmark monument was needed to mark the entrance to the city.
