Piazza Ducale

Piazza Ducale in Vigevano, Lombardy, is a magnificent Renaissance square that stands as a testament to the grandeur of its era. Constructed between 1492 and 1494 under the patronage of Ludovico Sforza, known as Il Moro, this square was envisioned as the antechamber to his splendid castle. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Vigevano, captivating visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty.

The Historical Significance of Piazza Ducale

The origins of Piazza Ducale date back to May 3, 1492, when Ludovico Sforza announced his ambitious plan to reconstruct the Piazza del Mercanti, the Merchant's Square. His vision was to create a space that reflected the magnificence and dignity befitting a duke and his court. The square was intended to serve both as a grand reception area for distinguished visitors and as a bustling economic hub, particularly for the wool trade that Sforza sought to develop.

The transformation of the square was a monumental task, requiring the demolition of numerous old structures, including the Podesta's Palace, which was subsequently rebuilt. The project, overseen by engineer Ambrogio Ferrari, is believed to have involved architects such as Alexandro da Cremona and possibly the renowned Donato Bramante, though documentation is scarce. The architectural style and decorative elements suggest Bramante's influence.

Piazza Ducale was designed to symbolize the power and authority of the Duke of Milan. The positioning of the communal palace in an insignificant spot along the square and the dominance of the castle conveyed a clear message: the duke's break from the communal past and an evocation of the Roman Empire through architectural forms and busts of emperors adorning the square. The authority of the prince was unmistakably manifested in every corner of this grand piazza.

The Architectural Marvel of Piazza Ducale

The square, measuring 134 meters in length and 48 meters in width, is an architectural masterpiece. It is enclosed on three sides by palatial buildings with continuous frescoed facades, supported by 84 columns, each with a unique capital. The fourth side originally featured two triumphal arches and a stone ramp leading to the castle, situated seven meters higher than the square. This design allowed horsemen and carriages easy access to the castle's courtyard.

The arcaded facades of the buildings are adorned with round arches supported by columns, above which lies a painted architecture. The architrave is surmounted by an elaborate frieze, and the upper cornice features windows with half-columns shaped like candelabras, supporting the upper frieze with large oculi aligned with the windows. This use of candelabra-like columns around the windows is attributed to the Lombard architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo, while the oculi are reminiscent of Bramante's style.

The square is decorated with busts of prominent figures from Roman history, as well as the Visconti and Sforza dukes, placed in roundels above the columns, accompanied by mottos and proverbs. This arrangement echoes the facade of the Certosa di Pavia. Ludovico Sforza aimed to create a space reminiscent of the Roman forum, with the scale and style of the triumphal arch reflecting the architecture of Vitruvius, a subject Bramante was well-versed in. Despite its vastness, the square is dominated by the imposing silhouette of the castle, creating a striking visual impact.

The Evolution of Piazza Ducale

The current architectural form of Piazza Ducale was designed by the bishop-architect Juan Caramuel y Lobkowitz in 1680. The eastern side of the square features the facade of the Duomo, which extends and curves across the entire width of the square in a dramatic Baroque style. The square is still surrounded by arcaded palaces with a piano nobile featuring arched windows topped with an attic open to an oculus. The vibrant pictorial decoration of the buildings adds to the square's charm.

The original stone ramp and the two triumphal arches were removed, and from 1680 until the Napoleonic period, the square was known as Piazza del Duomo. In the first half of the 18th century, the Austrian occupiers installed a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in the square. Between 1903 and 1910, a major restoration project led by the Vigevanese painter Casimiro Ottone uncovered and highlighted fragments of original 15th-century frescoes hidden beneath 17th-century paint.

The square's pavement is made of black and white granite tiles from the Ticino River, and the cast iron lampposts were installed in 1911. Today, Piazza Ducale remains the main access point to the Sforza Castle of Vigevano and its imposing crenellated tower designed by Bramante. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the entire city.

In conclusion, Piazza Ducale is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the Renaissance era's architectural brilliance and the enduring legacy of Ludovico Sforza. Its grandeur, historical significance, and stunning beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the charming town of Vigevano.