UniMi, the public University of Milan, is my alma mater. But did you know that the Renaissance building that is now the home of the Law and Humanities Faculties was Milan’s first hospital? Yup!

The main branch of UniMi is located in Via Festa del Perdono in what used to be the so-called Ca’ Granda hospital: the University of Milan was founded in 1923 and today is the biggest Italian university institution.

The beautiful main cloister is surrounded by porches that date back to the late 15th century, and this is where you’ll find many artworks and pieces of installation art as part of the famous collateral events of Fuorisalone during the well-known and much-missed Milan’s Design Week. If you explore the building further, you’ll also see flocks of students chilling in the beautiful icehouse cloister before or after class.

And after a free walk in the main areas, for a full ticket of €12, you’ll be able to visit the Archive that contains the documents of the ancient hospital, as well as the Crypt of the Ca’ Granda, that is the place where, among other things, Leonardo Da Vinci carried out his studies of anatomy. On top of that, sometimes they even host movie nights in the secret garden (look for Cinema Bianchini online)!

As a Spotter, I know I should be wary of the places that hold too strong of an emotional bond for me. That being said, I’m very happy that UniMi is finally getting the attention it deserves!