Milan, a city known for its fashion, design, and the San Siro football stadium, holds an often-overlooked gem at its heart: the Arena Civica Gianni Brera. Nestled in the picturesque Parco Sempione, this neoclassical stadium is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to the city’s history and cultural legacy.
The Arena Civica was inaugurated on August 18, 1807, under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. Designed by the renowned architect Luigi Canonica, the arena was inspired by ancient Roman amphitheaters, combining classical elegance with practical functionality. Its original purpose was to host public events such as horse races, festivals, and even naval battles—thanks to its ingenious design, which allowed it to be flooded with water.
Over the years, the arena adapted to Milan's evolving cultural landscape. In the 20th century, it became synonymous with sports, hosting football matches, athletics, and even cycling events. It was renamed the Arena Gianni Brera in 2002 to honor the celebrated Italian sports journalist and writer Gianni Brera.
The match I attended was Internazionale vs AC Milan in the italian women’s top league. The match was played on a beautiful sunny and chilly Saturday afternoon. The match were quite open, but Inter scored the winning goal in the middle of the second half, securing well deserved 3 point.
