Obelisco di san Glicerio

Have you ever considered the curious case of the Obelisco di san Glicerio? This unassuming monument, standing at the intersection of Via Marina and Via Boschetti, holds a story far more intricate than its simple appearance suggests. The Obelisco di san Glicerio began its life not here, but in the heart of a long-vanished neighborhood called Bottonuto. Imagine a bustling medieval district, a maze of narrow streets and vibrant shops, stretching between the Duomo and what is now Piazza Diaz. This was the original home of our obelisk. Erected in 1606, the Obelisco di san Glicerio was more than just a decorative feature. It was a votive column, a beacon of hope during times of plague. Cardinal Federico Borromeo consecrated it in 1607, dedicating it to San Glicerio, a 5th-century bishop of Milan. Its granite form, topped with a cross, allowed residents of Bottonuto to pray from their windows, avoiding dangerous gatherings during outbreaks of disease. Now, fast forward to the late 18th century. The Bottonuto, once vibrant, had become notorious for its less savory activities. The city, under the guidance of architect Giuseppe Piermarini, was undergoing a transformation. As part of this urban renewal, the Obelisco di san Glicerio found itself relocated. It was moved to its current location, no longer a somber reminder of plague but a graceful ornament for the newly created “Boschetti,” a tree-lined promenade connecting the gardens to the canals. The cross was replaced with a radiant sun, and the obelisk, atop a grander base, took on a new life. The Obelisco di san Glicerio stands as a silent witness to centuries of change. It whispers tales of a lost neighborhood, of faith during times of fear, and of a city constantly reinventing itself. It serves as a tangible link between Milan’s past and present, a reminder that even amidst progress, echoes of history remain.