Grattacielo Pirelli (Pirelli Tower), Northeast Milan
A bold example of 1960's modernist Italian architecture
The Big Pirelli or 'Pirellone', as the tower is affectionately known by locals is, with its tapered sides, a feat of architectural prowess. In the 1950s, the 32-floor tower became Italy's first skyscraper and is still one of the tallest in the country.
The team behind the post World War II reconstructionist design was led by architect Gio Ponti and ordered by Alberto Pirelli, president of the Pirelli company, a large Italian manufacturer of tyres and cables. With 124 metres, it became the company's headquarters when its construction finished in 1960.
The Italian architect created a modern curtain wall façade, in which the pillars are clearly visible between its crystal walls. It was purchased by the region of Lombardia in 1978, and it has been an administration building since then.
When to come
There is a public viewing deck located on the tower's 31st floor, only open to during special events, such as the city's spring fair, the Festa dei Nonni, or the Vertical Sprint.
