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Central Stop Surrounded by History and Commerce

Cordusio is a station on Line 1 of the Milan Metro, located in the Cordusio neighborhood of Municipio 1. It was opened on 1 November 1964 as part of the original stretch of the Red Line between Sesto Marelli and Lotto. The station lies beneath Piazza Cordusio, a historic square surrounded by grand late 19th-century buildings that once housed banks, insurance companies, and important financial institutions. Today, the area is a dynamic mix of commerce, shopping, and tourism, with easy pedestrian access to Via Dante, Piazza del Duomo, and Castello Sforzesco.

The station is fully underground and includes two side platforms serving two tracks, along with accessibility features such as elevators. Cordusio is a popular stop for both residents and visitors due to its strategic location in Milan's central pedestrian zone. Nearby landmarks include Palazzo Broggi, Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali, and the Apple Store located inside a restored historic building. As part of the M1 Red Line, the station connects directly to key interchange points like Cadorna and Duomo, supporting a high volume of daily passenger traffic in the heart of the city.

Piazza Cordusio: Milan's Financial Heart with a Historic Edge

Piazza Cordusio is a central urban square in the Cordusio neighborhood of Municipio 1, Milan, serving as one of the city's most important business and transportation hubs. Named after the ancient Curia Ducis, or ducal court, that once stood here, the square is surrounded by grand buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the Palazzo delle Poste, Palazzo Broggi, and Palazzo della Assicurazioni Generali, exemplifying the eclectic and neoclassical architectural styles that defined Italy's financial expansion. The piazza connects several major streets, including Via Dante, Via Orefici, and Via Broletto, making it a key node for pedestrian and tram traffic.

In recent years, Piazza Cordusio has undergone a revitalization that includes new high-end retail and hospitality spaces, including flagship international stores. It remains strategically located between the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Brera district, drawing constant foot traffic and offering easy access via the M1 Metro Cordusio station. Its circular shape, historic façades, and continuous flow of Milanese life make it a quintessential backdrop for urban scenes and commercial activity. As a place where Milan's past and present intersect, Piazza Cordusio embodies both the city's financial legacy and its future-facing cosmopolitan identity.

Via Orefici: A Historic Artery Linking Milan's Icons

Via Orefici is a prominent commercial street in the Cordusio neighborhood of Municipio 1, Milan, bridging two of the city's most iconic landmarks: Piazza Cordusio and the Duomo. The name 'Orefici' refers to goldsmiths, reflecting the street's historic association with fine craftsmanship and trade. Today, it serves as a major pedestrian artery lined with fashion retailers, cafes, and modern storefronts, catering to the dense flow of tourists and locals moving between Milan's civic and cultural centers. Its centrality and accessibility make it a key axis in the city's retail and transit landscape.

The architecture along Via Orefici is a mix of early 20th-century elegance and contemporary renovations, forming a visual transition between historic Milan and its cosmopolitan present. The street is part of the broader transformation of the Cordusio district into a polished shopping and business corridor, benefiting from the proximity to both the M1 Metro line and the scenic thoroughfare of Via Dante. Despite its modern commercial appeal, Via Orefici retains its historical character through elements like decorative façades and traditional signage. Whether visitors are heading toward the grandeur of the Duomo or returning from Castello Sforzesco, Via Orefici offers an immersive urban experience rooted in Milanese history and retail vitality.

Palazzo Broggi: A Grand Edifice of Milanese Finance and Revival

Palazzo Broggi, also known historically as Palazzo delle Poste, dominates the western edge of Piazza Cordusio in Milan's Cordusio neighborhood. Built in the late 19th century, it originally housed the Italian stock exchange and later served as Milan's central post office. The structure is a prime example of eclectic Neoclassical architecture, with its grand colonnades, elaborate cornices, and commanding stone façade. Named after architect Luigi Broggi, the building has stood as a symbol of Milan's financial and institutional importance for well over a century.

In recent years, Palazzo Broggi has undergone a major transformation as part of the urban redevelopment of Cordusio. It has been reimagined as part of The Medelan, a high-end office and retail hub that blends historical preservation with sustainable modern design. The building now hosts international firms, upscale shops, and panoramic rooftop spaces while retaining its original architectural elegance. Located directly above the M1 Cordusio metro station and steps from Via Dante and the Duomo, Palazzo Broggi continues to serve as a vital node in the city's commercial and cultural geography. Its seamless blend of historic prestige and modern function makes it a quintessential example of Milan's evolving urban fabric.