Torre  Velasca

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 21 January 2024
The Torre Velasca is a residential and commercial skyscraper in Milan city centre. Somewhat out of keeping with nearby edifices such as the Gothic Milan Cathedral, the Torre Velasca mixes a combination of modern and brutalist architectural styles.

​Built in 1958, it reaches to a height of 106 metres and is situated 650 metres south of Piazza del Duomo, by the Missori Metro stop.
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The Torre Velasca, also known as the Leaning Tower of Velasca, is a unique architectural landmark located in the city of Milan, Italy. It is an iconic building that stands out in the city's skyline due to its distinctive design and leaning structure.
 History
The Torre Velasca was designed by a group of Italian architects, including Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Luigi Moretti, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was completed in 1958 and stands at a height of approximately 106 meters (348 feet) tall.

The tower's design was influenced by the desire to create a modern building that could blend with the historic fabric of Milan's city center. As a result, the lower part of the tower features a more traditional architectural style, while the upper part is characterized by a unique and angular shape, making it a notable example of the Italian modernist architectural movement.
​Key features and nearby attractions
  • Architecture: The Torre Velasca is a mix of historical and modern architectural styles. Its base consists of medieval-inspired elements, with terra cotta bricks and arched windows, while the upper section has a more futuristic appearance, featuring a series of setbacks and overhangs.
  • Leaning Design: The tower's name "Leaning Tower of Velasca" is a playful reference to the more famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While the Torre Velasca doesn't lean to the extent of the Pisa tower, its unique design gives the illusion of a slight lean.
  • Location: The Torre Velasca is situated in the city center of Milan, making it easily accessible and viewable while walking through the city.
  • Photography: The tower's distinctive design makes it an attractive subject for photography, both from close up and at a distance.
  • Viewing: The Torre Velasca is not open to the public for visits or climbing, as it is primarily an office building.
  • Nearby Attractions: Milan is a city filled with historical and modern landmarks, including the famous Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
Torre Velasca
City: Milan

Province: Metropolitan City of Milan

Region: Lombardy

Height: 106 metres​

Completed: 1958

​​​Architectural style: Modern, Brutalist

Nearest Metro station: Missori - M3 - 4 minute walk - 400 m

Close by: Piazza del Duomo, Milan Cathedral, Teatro alla Scala

​​Recommended hotel: Château Monfort - Relais & Châteaux

Torre  Velasca​​  Gallery

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