Piscina Romano

Gazing at this expansive oasis, can you hear the echoes of splashing laughter and spirited competition? This, my friends, is the Piscina Romano. It’s more than just a pool. It’s a stage where countless stories of athleticism, leisure, and community have unfolded since its grand opening on July 28, 1929. Piscina Romano is named after Guido Romano, the Italian gymnast who struck gold at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The visionary behind this aquatic haven was Luigi Lorenzo Secchi, an architect and engineer who brought this dream to life in a mere seven months. Imagine the hustle and bustle as workers toiled day and night, transforming this space into the magnificent pool we see today. The project cost around one million lire, a testament to the city’s commitment to providing recreational spaces for its citizens. Piscina Romano was part of a larger plan. It included dreams of two additional city pools, one indoor and one outdoor. Originally, an elegant central building stood as the main entrance on Via Ponzio. Two symmetrical side buildings housed changing rooms, their facades adorned with decorative panels and pilasters. Sadly, the central building is no longer part of the complex. It now houses a local police station. The two side pavilions still serve their original purpose, offering showers and restrooms to pool-goers. The pool itself is a marvel of engineering. It’s a massive rectangle, 100 meters long and 40 meters wide. That’s enough space for 1,500 people to enjoy the water simultaneously. The rectangular shape wasn’t chosen arbitrarily. It maximized the use of space, and the rounded corners prevented stagnant water. The depth varies, from a gentle 50 centimeters to a daring 3 meters. The water, drawn from four on-site wells, provided a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The inauguration ceremony was a grand affair. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe De Capitani d’Arzago, delivered a rousing speech before the first swimming competitions commenced. For a mere 2 lire, citizens could enjoy the pool, and an extra 50 centesimi granted access to hot showers. Today, a more modern entrance, built in 1934, welcomes visitors from Via Ampère. A smaller, circular pool for children sits near the main pool, providing a safe space for younger swimmers. As you look at Piscina Romano today, remember the countless swimmers who’ve graced these waters. Remember the laughter, the splashes, and the joy this pool has brought to generations of Milanese.