Monza and Milan Join European Napoleonic Cities Network

Monza and Milan have been admitted to the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, a network of over fifty European locations linked to Napoleon Bonaparte. The federation, established in 2015 with Council of Europe certification, promotes the cultural heritage of the Napoleonic era and supports conservation efforts. Monza joined based on three key assets: the Iron Crown used for Napoleon's coronation as King of Italy on May 26, 1805, in Milan's Piazza Duomo; the Royal Villa of Monza, expanded during the French period with a court theater; and the Monza Park, created by Napoleonic decree in 1805, now Europe's largest walled park at 700 hectares. Eleonora Berti, director general of the federation based in Ajaccio, expressed hope that Milan, Limbiate with Villa Mombello, and Lodi would follow. Milan subsequently enrolled the Royal Villa (Palazzo Reale), home to the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, into the network. Milan's culture councilor Tommaso Sacchi stated that the palace will be promoted as a residence-museum, with rooms like the Throne Room and Ministers' Room open independently of temporary exhibitions. Since 2019, a project has restored original furnishings, reconstructed the Throne Room built for Napoleon's coronation, and restored the centerpiece by Giacomo Raffaelli. Restoration of a Napoleonic throne began in July 2023.