Historical Facts

117

For centuries, one of the first things that many people entering Milan saw was a bas-relief of a woman shaving her pubic hair.

This carving was placed on the eastern gate of the city named Porta Tosa, later changed to Porta Vittoria.

The bas-relief remained there until the 19th century, when the gate was demolished and the obscene carving was moved to a museum.

There are several legends surrounding the origins of the bas-relief, and they all have to do with Holy Roman Emperor and enemy of Milan Frederick Barbarossa.

One story says the carving simply portrays Barbarossa’s wife in a shameful position.

Another says the bas-relief is of a Milanese woman who exposed herself to Barbarossa’s army in defiance.

It is also possible the carving faces east as an insult to the Byzantine Empire for refusing to help Milan after Barbarossa sacked the city in 1162.