Milan is a city of layers—ancient yet modern, sacred yet secular, elegant yet enigmatic. Behind its monumental buildings, world-renowned fashion houses, and bustling piazzas lie countless symbols and secrets waiting to be discovered. From ancient emblems embedded in the streets to obscure motifs carved into cathedrals, Milan is filled with curious symbols that reflect its complex history, artistic spirit, and civic pride. Some of these symbols are proudly displayed, while others are hidden in plain sight. Together, they form a symbolic map that tells the story of Milan—its rulers, its saints, its battles, and its resilience. This article takes a deep dive into the curious symbols of Milan, offering both historical background and cultural insight into the images that define the city.
Table of Contents
THE BISCIONE: THE SERPENT OF MILAN
Perhaps the most iconic—and strangest—symbol of Milan is the biscione, a large snake swallowing (or giving birth to) a human figure. This emblem has represented Milan for centuries and is still used by prominent Milanese institutions.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY
- The biscione was the coat of arms of the powerful Visconti family, who ruled Milan from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
- It is thought to derive from a Middle Eastern or Crusader origin, possibly a reinterpretation of Saracen banners brought back from battle.
WHERE TO FIND IT
- Piazza Mercanti: On the Palazzo della Ragione, you’ll see a stone carving of the biscione.
- Castello Sforzesco: As the Sforzas succeeded the Viscontis, the serpent is found throughout the castle’s ornamentation.
- Inter Milan’s Logo: The biscione has been incorporated into the football club’s identity.
- Alfa Romeo Emblem: The car manufacturer’s logo includes the biscione to signify its Milanese heritage.
INTERPRETATION
Though to modern eyes the image might seem grotesque, the biscione historically symbolized power, renewal, and victory. Some interpretations even connect it with fertility or rebirth.
THE RED CROSS ON WHITE: SAINT GEORGE’S CROSS
Milan’s official flag features a red cross on a white background, often mistaken for the flag of England. However, it has its own identity and a deep-rooted history in Milanese culture.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- This symbol dates back to the 12th century and is associated with Saint George, a warrior saint who became a popular protector figure during the Crusades.
- It was used by the Milanese commune (self-governing body) and became a symbol of civic pride.
MODERN USAGE
- This red cross appears on Milan’s city flag, police badges, and municipal signage.
- During historical parades and religious festivals, it’s proudly displayed to invoke Milan’s medieval legacy.
THE MADONNINA: GUARDIAN OF THE CITY
High atop the Milan Cathedral stands the Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which has become a beloved spiritual and cultural symbol of the city.
KEY FACTS
- Installed in 1774, the statue is 4.16 meters tall and stands at over 108 meters above ground.
- For centuries, it marked the tallest point in Milan. By informal city decree, no building was allowed to surpass it in height.
- When the Pirelli Tower was constructed in the 1950s (exceeding the cathedral’s height), a smaller replica of the Madonnina was placed on top—setting a tradition that continues for Milan’s modern skyscrapers.
CULTURAL MEANING
The Madonnina represents protection, humility, and Milanese identity. It’s not just a religious icon; it’s a guardian, and many locals still say “La Madonnina guarda giù” (The Madonnina watches over us).
WHERE ELSW TO FIND IT
- CityLife Tower, Unicredit Tower, and Pirelli Tower all have replicas at their highest points.
THE COLUMN OF THE DEVIL: LE CORNA DEL DIAVOLO
In front of the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of Milan’s oldest and holiest churches, stands a mysterious column with two deep holes. According to legend, these holes were left by the Devil’s horns.
THE LEGEND
- Saint Ambrose, Milan’s patron saint, was often tempted by the Devil. One day, the Devil tried to lure him away from his duties. Angered, Ambrose kicked him, and the Devil crashed into the column, leaving behind his horned imprint.
FUN FACTS
- Locals say if you place your ear near the holes, you can hear the sounds of Hell (or more likely, echoes from underground pipes).
- The column is known as the Colonna del Diavolo, or “Devil’s Column.”
THE AMBROSIAN SYMBOLS: BEES AND BOOKS
Saint Ambrose is not only the city’s patron saint but also one of its most influential historical figures. Many symbols associated with Milan trace their roots to him, including:
THE BEEHIVE
- Often depicted in art and reliefs, the beehive symbolizes wisdom, community, and industriousness—qualities attributed to Ambrose’s leadership.
- The golden bees appear in several civic insignias and architectural motifs throughout the city.
THE BOOK AND WHIP
- Ambrose is often depicted holding a book (for wisdom) and a whip (for justice), representing his dual role as a spiritual and civic leader.
THE TIRED SAINT: SAINT BARTHOLOMEW FLAYED
Inside the Duomo, a chilling and unforgettable statue catches the eye: Saint Bartholomew Flayed, by Marco d’Agrate (1562). This figure is not just symbolic—it’s a masterpiece of anatomical precision and hidden meaning.
DESCRIPTION
- The saint stands skinless, holding his own flayed skin like a cloak. His muscles, veins, and bones are intricately carved from marble.
- It represents martyrdom, but also Milan’s embrace of scientific inquiry, as anatomy was a highly studied subject during the Renaissance.
SYMBOLIC MESSAGE
Bartholomew’s flayed form reminds viewers of both sacrifice and resilience—a Milanese virtue born through centuries of hardship, war, and rebuilding.
THE COLUMNS OF SAN LORENZO
In front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, 16 ancient Roman columns stand tall—remnants of a time when Milan (then Mediolanum) was part of the Roman Empire. Though not a symbol in the traditional sense, they hold deep cultural resonance.
WHY THEY MATTER
- These columns survived the fall of the Roman Empire, invasions, and modern urbanization.
- Today, they symbolize Milan’s continuity through time—from antiquity to today.
MILAN’S COAT OF ARMS AND CIVIC MOTTO
THE OFFICIAL COAT OF ARMS
Milan’s coat of arms features:
- A red cross on white background (the Saint George’s Cross),
- Surrounded by a green laurel wreath,
- Often accompanied by the civic motto: “Mediolanum – Fedelissima città” (“Milan – Most Faithful City”).
This simple but powerful symbol is used by Milan’s municipal government, police forces, and appears in documents and historical buildings.
THE IRON CROWN OF LOMBARDY
Though not always visible, the Iron Crown is one of Milan’s most sacred and storied symbols, housed in nearby Monza but deeply tied to Milanese identity.
WHAT IT IS
- An ancient relic and royal crown, said to contain one of the nails from Christ’s crucifixion.
- Used to crown kings of Italy for centuries—including Charlemagne and Napoleon.
CONNECTION TO MILAN
Milan, as the capital of the Lombard Kingdom and later as the center of the Duchy of Milan, played a key role in the crown’s legacy. The symbol represents legitimacy, spiritual authority, and historical sovereignty.
THE FUTURIST LEGACY AND CONTEMPORARY SYMBOLS
Milan was the birthplace of Futurism, an early 20th-century artistic and political movement that celebrated speed, technology, and modernity.
KEY FEATURES
- Symbols such as lightning bolts, gears, and industrial forms can be found in art and architecture from the Futurist period.
- The movement’s spirit still lingers in Milan’s embrace of modern architecture and design.
READING THE CITY THROUGH ITS SYMBOLS
Milan is more than a city—it’s a palimpsest, layered with meanings and symbols that stretch across millennia. From the snake of the Viscontis to the golden Madonnina watching over its modern skyline, Milan tells its story not just in books or museums, but on its streets, stones, and symbols. To walk through Milan is to walk through living symbolism. Once you learn to read the signs—the biscione, the cross, the golden guardian, the saints—you’ll discover a deeper dimension of the city: a place where myth meets history, where sacred and profane coexist, and where every corner has a story to tell.
****
To find out more contact us
Photo by Liverani Agency
