The Madunina (the Virgin Mary on the Duomo) is unanimously considered the queen of Milan, but the city also has a leading male figure.
For the residents of the Corvetto district, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is amicably called El Signurun (an informal way to say “the Sir”), while for the tourists or visitors of the Abbey of Chiaravalle he is presented as El Signurun de Milan (“Mr. Milan”).
The large dimensions of the statue placed on a terrace similar to the bow of a ship, as well as the greeting pose, seem to embrace all those who exchange glances with Him. It is no coincidence that the statue’s origin is shrouded with a fascinating mystery: the older residents claim that a couple centuries ago a statue came, as if by miracle, from the waters of the Roggia Vettabbia creek (now covered) running in the area. Despite its hand being amputated by an excavator, El Signurun still gives a benedictory welcoming to all those walking along Via San Dionigi.
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