Last updated on .
Ca’ Granda is a historic building in Milan owned by the University of Milan. It’s located a short walk from Piazza del Duomo and the church of Sant’Antonio Abate.
History
Ca’ Granda was once part of the Main Hospital of Milan (Ospedale Maggiore di Milano), a huge hospital complex founded on April 12, 1456, by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan. It was built to provide medical care to the city’s poorest citizens and centralize the healthcare system into one large building. The architect was Antonio Averlino, also known as Filarete.
The project was funded by legacies, donations, and contributions from the biennial Feast of Forgiveness (Festa del Perdono). Construction continued until the complex was completed in 1805.
Part of Ca’ Granda was completely destroyed during the Allied bombing of Milan in August 1943. The building was renovated and the University of Milan moved in in 1958. Today, the tradition of the hospital continues in a more modern building.
The Building
Ca’ Granda is made up of four courtyards on each end and a large central courtyard. The entire complex covers 43,000 m². We visited the central courtyard only, but apparently the smaller ones have been restored and are now open to the public.
San Nazaro in Brolo
Finally, just south of the building is the Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo (Basilica di San Nazaro in Brolo). Construction started in 382 on the road that connected Milan to Rome. We didn’t visit.
