Via delle Forze Armate: Baggio's Historic Artery in Municipio 7, Milan

Ancient Origins and Historical Evolution of the Route

Via delle Forze Armate, historically known as Strada Baggina or via Baggina, serves as the principal thoroughfare linking central Milan with the former independent comune of Baggio, annexed in 1923 ([turn0search19](#cite)). It follows a route likely used since Roman times, appearing in medieval statutes as part of the contado road network, and it tied Milan to western territories like Novara and Vercelli ([turn0search12](#cite)).

By the early 20th century, it became vital as the tramway route connecting Baggio with the city—the line inaugurated in 1913 later became official tram route 34, and was subsequently renumbered 18 before its discontinuation in 1979 ([turn0search19](#cite), [turn0search1](#cite)).

Between 1930 and 1946, under the Fascist regime, the street was renamed Via delle Forze Armate as part of nationalist symbolisms. The name was retained by post-war authorities, embedding it in Baggio's modern identity ([turn0search19](#cite)).

Urban Layout, Key Landmarks, and Institutions

Starting at Largo Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, Via delle Forze Armate crosses Viale Pisa and runs past landmark institutions including the Pio Albergo Trivulzio (formerly on the old Baggina) and the Ospedale Militare di Baggio, established in 1931 in a neorinascimentale style and today housing the inter-forces military hospital ([turn0search19](#cite), [turn0search22](#cite)).

Mid-street, the road passes the Caserma Santa Barbara—a vast army barracks complex inaugurated in 1931, covering 165,000 m² and formerly home to mounted artillery regiments. Today it remains the headquarters of the 1st Telecom Regiment of the Italian Army ([turn0search24](#cite)).

The street later skirts residential estates such as “La Viridiana” designed by Caccia Dominioni and Magistretti, and traverses diverse neighborhoods including public housing, small artisan workshops, and tree-lined Liberty villas close to the historic core of Baggio ([turn0search19](#cite), [turn0search1](#cite)).

Transportation History and Public Transit Current Use

Via delle Forze Armate hosted Milan's tram route number 34 starting in 1913, later renumbered 18, linking inner city to Baggio. The tram line was decommissioned in 1979, replaced primarily by bus route 67 which continues to serve the entire length of the street today ([turn0search19](#cite), [turn0search1](#cite)).

Multiple bus lines also traverse the road—including 49, 63, 78, and the night service NM1, connecting Baggio to other districts, even at late hours. The route remains one of the main connectors between Municipio 7 and the rest of Milan ([turn0search19](#cite)).

Despite the lack of a metro station within Baggio itself, the street's surface transit connectivity ensures regular access to the nearby Bisceglie M1 station, making Via delle Forze Armate a critical mobility axis in western Milan's transit network.

Architecture, Urban Morphology, and Public Spaces

The street showcases a hybrid urban fabric: along its length appear historic farmhouses, early-20th-century villas, post-war public housing towers, and modern residential blocks. Liberty villas on side streets like Via Ceriani preserve Baggio's aristocratic and artisan heritage ([turn0search1](#cite), [turn0search19](#cite)).

Public green spaces along the street include small plazas and edges of Parco delle Cave, providing a visual transition between urban density and surrounding parkland. This alignment reflects conscious planning aimed at preserving continuity with Baggio's rural past ([turn0search19](#cite), [turn0search23](#cite)).

Street elevation and vegetation vary, with older stretches near the historic core shaded by mature trees, while newer sections are more open. Despite its arterial role, the street retains areas of pedestrian friendliness, hinting at its layered development over centuries.

Social and Cultural Significance within the Neighborhood

Via delle Forze Armate has long served as Baggio's main street—a venue for festivals, local commerce, and civic life. It forms the backdrop for events tied to the historic borgo, including the annual Sagra di Baggio and Palio degli Asinelli celebrations centered near the Chiesa Vecchia and Piazza Cesare Stovani ([turn0search1](#cite), [turn0search19](#cite)).

Local folklore, expressions, and communal memory—such as the saying 'va a Bagg a sonà l'òrghen'—often reference life along this route. The street reflects the district's evolution from rural settlement to Milanese periphery while maintaining resonance with Baggio's ingrained identity.

Challenges, Preservation, and Future Prospects

Challenges facing the street include balancing traffic flow with preservation of heritage buildings and improving pedestrian safety. The presence of large institutional complexes such as the military hospital and barracks creates discontinuities that planning efforts attempt to mitigate.

Future proposals include enhanced pedestrian crossings, restoration of façades, improved anti-noise vegetation belts, and richer street-level retail or café offerings to activate sidewalks. Transport planning envisions bus lane priority and enhanced nighttime illumination, especially near landmark areas.

Given its historical significance and centrality in Baggio's urban structure, Via delle Forze Armate remains a focus for municipal Zone 7 urban regeneration policies that stress sustainable mobility and layered preservation.

Via delle Forze Armate as a Symbol of Baggio's Urban Narrative

Overall, Via delle Forze Armate embodies Baggio's layered identity—from Roman-era road to rural lifeline, tram artery, and modern urban corridor. It threads through historical, architectural, and social elements that make Baggio distinct within Milan's Zone 7.

As the city plans metro extensions toward Baggio and public space improvements, this street will increasingly embody the intersection of mobility, heritage, and community identity. Its continued vitality reinforces the neighborhood's resilience and sense of place within Milan's evolving metropolitan landscape.