Some of the most beautiful houses in Milan are certainly in the Conciliazione district. Here is a lovely itinerary for you to discover them, and find out some fine examples of Eclectic and Liberty style architecture.
In the central districts, the houses in Milan are aristocratic and elegant, bearing witness to the various stages in the city’s history. The Conciliazione area is very interesting, because it showcases typical turn-of-the-century prestigious houses, where the architectural style evolved from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. Namely, from Eclecticism to Liberty (the Italian interpretation of Art Nouveau).
In Eclecticism (from late 1800s to early 1900s), buildings are characterised by formal symmetry and façades that draw heavily on historic styles such as Renaissance and Baroque, but of course adapted for modern residential use. Some palaces were deliberately designed to evoke both the typical Italian “palazzo” tradition and Parisian boulevards, thus appealing to the members of the upper class.
Conversely, houses in Liberty style (early 1900s) break with tradition, and display very elaborate ironwork, floral motifs, ornamental balconies and decorative reliefs celebrating nature. Liberty represents artistic freedom and originality as opposed to the more “structured”, formally rigorous and academic style found in Eclecticism.
If you’d like to see some examples of these architectural periods here is a very nice walk, starting from Piazza Conciliazione and taking you on a short tour of some of the district’s most beautiful houses. First of all, Piazza Conciliazione can be easily reached from Duomo by taking the MM1 Red metro line (just four stops).
Palazzo Binda
Palazzo Binda (in Piazza Conciliazione 1)
This gorgeous house was built at the beginning of the 1900s and, in terms of style, it’s a very good example of Milanese early-Liberty. The different materials used for the façade (stone, stucco and brick) create a rich colour and textural contrast. The decorative floral reliefs, wrought-iron railings and ornamented portals recall the motifs of Art Nouveau.
After seeing this house and hopefully taking some pictures, you can reach Via Lorenzo Mascheroni 18 (where the next house of this tour is) in 4 minutes.
Casa Carugati-Felisari (Via Lorenzo Mascheroni 18)
This house was designed in 1908 by architect Giulio Ulisse Arata and it’s an interesting transition and blend between Eclectic and Early Liberty styles. In fact, despite having a less symmetrical façade than those found in earlier Eclecticism, this building is less decorated than what you’d expect in full-blown Liberty.
Palazzo Tenca
Palazzo Tenca (Via Lorenzo Mascheroni 20)
Designed in 1914 by Cesare Tenca and Angelo Chiappa, this house is a highlight of both Eclectic and Liberty styles. The façade has the typical formal symmetry of Eclecticism and the sculpted details, flowing lines, ornamental ironwork and floral references of Italian Liberty, even combined with exotic Assyrian/Mesopotamian motifs.
Casa Berni ‒ Palazzo Trubetzkoy
Casa Berni – Palazzo Trubetzkoy (Via Lorenzo Mascheroni 19)
This residence stands out for its beautiful façade featuring massive and curving bow-windows. Its French-style roofline echoes later Liberty style, heavily influenced by Parisian architecture.
Another 4-minute walk will take you to the next destination.
Villino Maria Luisa
Villino Maria Luisa (Via Pietro Tamburini 8)
This lovely villa was built in 1906 in full-blown Liberty style, with decorative richness, particularly in its nature-inspired mosaic decoration on the upper part of the façade. The elaborate wrought-iron gate is highly appreciated as an example of the work of important Milanese ironworkers like Alessandro Mazzucotelli.
And in 4 minutes you’ll get to:
Casa Cavalli-Agostoni (Via Lodovico Ariosto 21)
This beautiful building is one of the most representative examples of Liberty architecture, with its sculptural female forms that represent the Four Seasons, paired with nature-inspired ironwork and vegetal motifs.
Your next stop is 2 minutes away.
Casa Donzelli
Casa Donzelli (Via Tasso 8)
This is another example of Milanese Liberty style, with playful sculptural decorations mixed with references from Italian literature (like the bust of writer Torquato Tasso).
Casa Apostolo
Casa Apostolo (Via Tasso 10-12)
This house was designed by architect Ulisse Stacchini (the “author” of Milan’s Central Station) and built in 1907 in a slightly more sober version of Liberty style. Decorative elements in concrete and wrought iron embellish its elegant façade.
Here are some pictures of three more beautiful houses you’ll find in the area.
Houses on Via Mascheroni
House in Piazza Tommaseo
Gourmet tip (not for vegetarians):
If you want to have lunch or dinner nearby, you can try Beef Club Milano, a highly regarded restaurant with a wonderful selection of scrumptious high-quality meats and a very cosy atmosphere.
Beef Club Milano
Via Giovanni Boccaccio 15
Tel +39 02 5182 3951
www.beefclubmilano.it
This post was all about some of the most elegant and beautiful houses in Milan, in the Conciliazione district.