“Another world,” whispered a child. Here, beneath our feet in the Parco di Villa Finzi, lies the Tempio della Notte. It is one of Milan’s most mysterious places.
The Tempio della Notte was created in the early 1800s. Count Batthyány, a Hungarian Hussar officer, built it. He constructed the villa and gardens in 1829. At that time, the villa was in the countryside near the Martesana canal.
The count built two neoclassical temples in the garden. One was above ground and called the Temple of Innocence. The second was underground. That one is the Tempio della Notte. It sits within an artificial cave.
The Tempio della Notte is a unique structure. It is a subterranean building with a circular layout. Some believe it has references to Masonic rites. The temple has a double wall and a domed roof. An oculus at the top connects it to the outside.
Inside the Tempio della Notte, eight white marble columns stand against the walls. They feature Corinthian capitals. Niches, now empty, once held statues. During the summer solstice, light would illuminate icons inside the niches. The first niche received full light on June 21. The second niche was lit on August 7 and May 6.
The rediscovery of the Tempio della Notte is interesting. In 2005, speleologist Andrea Thum noticed a circular opening covered by a grate. He soon discovered the forgotten building.
Sadly, the Tempio della Notte is not easily accessible today. It is in poor condition. In 2009, Legambiente opened it during the winter solstice. However, it remains in need of restoration.
The Tempio della Notte may have been built on a pre-existing icehouse. This adds to its mystery. The Tempio della Notte is a source of curiosity for many. Its hidden nature only enhances its appeal.
Another Tempio della Notte exists in Italy. It is located in the park of Conte Ambrogio Uboldo’s villa in Cernusco sul Naviglio. This makes our Tempio della Notte even more special.
The Tempio della Notte is a reminder of the past. It links us to a time of counts, gardens, and hidden secrets. It connects us to classical architecture. It links us to possible masonic rituals. I encourage you to imagine this hidden temple restored. Picture it open to the public again. Its mysteries and beauty would be available for all to appreciate.