The Ugliest Skyscraper

A skyscraper widely considered to be among the ugliest buildings in existence... located right here in Milan!

Torre Velasca, that strange looking mushroom tower that rises above everything in the historical centre was part of the first generation of modern Italian architecture in the 1950s in response to the post war housing crisis (not the brightest period for Italian architecture).

The strange mushroom shape of the building served two purposes; a modern interpretation of the medieval Sforzesco Castle (we really don't see it either!), whilst maximising residential space with a narrower footprint below and a more spacious floors above. Ahhh intelligent you may think? For most locals, not so much.

Whilst some may see the tower as an aesthetically questionable, but now iconic silhouette of the historic centre, others feel it ruins the skyline that is today strictly regulated. Such construction in the 1950s was not unusual within new developments of the city, but what makes this one particularly unique is its location - just a few steps from the historical context of the Duomo!

Piazza Velasca, 3/5, 20122 Milano MI