Welcome to Milan, a vibrant city steeped in history, that hides traces of a glorious past in its streets and squares. Today we will take you on a journey through its so-called Five Days, beginning with this starting point, in Mercanti Square. Here, we may start a journey rooted in passion and revolution, where ancient stones narrate the deeds of heroes, and modern streets reflect the soul of an evolving community. While observing this unique square, we linger on the distant 19th century, a period that strongly shaped the future of this city.

Our story begins in January 1848, a time of turmoil and unrest in Europe. Milan, a proud and flourishing city, was trapped under the rule of the Austrian Empire. Such a widespread kingdom was one of the dominant powers in the continent; spanning much of central Europe, it included territories such as present-day Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, parts of northern Italy and the Balkans. The empire was a mosaic of different ethnicities, languages and cultures, creating a complex geopolitical structure.

However, such a vast territory faced increasing internal and external tensions, and Milan was the scene of a unique event, that changed the fate of the empire. Despite the fact that the Milanese demanded independence and political-administrative reforms, from a population affected by harsh conditions, the Austrian authorities showed total insensitivity. This lack of empathy had inflamed the souls of the Milanese, leading their intolerance to erupt like a volcano of indignation.

These unheard voices, however, turned into concrete actions: a peaceful boycott that affected the Austrian imperial finances. From 1 January 1848, Milanese people abstained from playing the lotto and consuming tobacco, two activities that guaranteed the empire annual tax revenues of around 15 million lira (the old currency). This was a tangible sign of the people’s determination and unity towards the Austrian Empire. But the echo of this protest spread far beyond the borders of Milan, involving even the neighbouring cities.

The imperial authorities, frightened by the resulting crisis, tried quite ridiculously to impose their will, forcing people to smoke, in order to restore financial revenues. The oppression provoked a series of riots, which soon turned into serious incidents between the Austrian authorities and the Milanese, determined to resist. Sabres were unsheathed, and in the cold winter of those days, the city turned into a battlefield, leaving behind death and injuries.

But the uprisings of 1848 did not stop at the gates of Milan. In the following weeks, the fire of revolution spread throughout the Italian peninsula, from north to south and beyond. Berlin, Vienna and Budapest were all cities trembling under the grip of insurrection. This aroused a light of hope in the hearts of the Milanese, making them believe that a radical change was possible.

It was in Vienna, the Austrian capital, that on 13 March 1848, a popular uprising orchestrated by a group of university students shook the imperial authority. Strengthened by this distant victory, the Milanese organised a large peaceful demonstration in front of the governor’s palace. Their intent was clear: to demand concessions that would make Milan more independent. Among these demands were freedom of press, the dissolution of the police, and responsibility for public order to the city of Milan, including the establishment of a Civic Guard, under the control of the municipality.

So it was that on that historic day of 18 March 1848, here, Piazza Dei Mercanti was filled with strong and resolute Milanese voices, ready to demonstrate. Under pressure, the vice-governor of that time, Mr. O’Donnell, who had taken the place of the previous governor who had fled, relented and signed three decrees, authorising the formation of a civic Milanese guard, transferring power to the people. However, Austrian Field Marshal Radetzky, commanding the imperial army, immediately invalidated these decrees. His troops went into action by force, determined to quell any resistance.

At that moment, chaos erupted, and the first defensive barricades took shape in various parts of the city. Milan was preparing for war, a series of street battles that would mark history, and lay the foundations for even more epic acts. Before continuing the unfolding of events, from Mercanti Square, history leads us to the next point of interest: the nearby Milan Cathedral, a symbol towering over the city, guardian of secrets and destinies yet to be revealed.

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