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 is the biggest Italian university institution and was founded in 1923.
Visit UniMi’s beautiful main cloister surrounded by porches that date back to the late 15th century and explore the building: you will most probably see tons of students hanging out in the icehouse cloister before or after class. It’s free to walk in. On top of that, during Milan’s Design Week UniMi hosts many artworks and pieces of installation art as part of the famous collateral events of Fuorisalone.
Ready to go back in time? A couple of years ago, the Archive and Crypt of Ca’ Granda finally opened to public: for a full ticket of €12, you’ll be able to visit the Archive that contains the documents of the old hospital, and the Crypt, which, among other things, is where Leonardo Da Vinci carried out his studies of anatomy. Not to mention the Cinema Bianchini movie nights in the secret garden!
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!
