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Residenza Vignale
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Show an other treasure of art and history in Milan:
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 Mostly represented styles: Other
The building is built in the years 1905-1907 as the residence of an Austrian prince. Legend has it that he wished to reside in Milan, because he was in love with a young Milanese. The original project, signed by the architect Gattermayer, is also the result of the collaboration with the Austrian Adolf Loos, a leading figure in the architecture of the Vienna "fin de siècle".
The façade of simple and clean cut therefore includes both symmetrical and graphic lines and decorative elements typical of Milanese art nouveau such as friezes with vegetal elements and the putti in decorative cement that support the balcony.
The main body, destined to be the Prince's residence, is on two floors: on the ground floor the large living rooms with access to the courtyard, on the first floor bedrooms, the library (Fig. 8) and small living rooms. On the other side of the courtyard there are the servants' quarters, set in a curious building with dark wood moldings and a pretty bow window (Fig. 1).
There were also a stable for horses and a depot for a carriage, protected by an elegantly decorated iron shelter (still present).
After the death of the prince in battle, in 1914, the house passes through the hands of several owners.
In the 1950s, unfortunately, the complex is distorted as a whole through the addition of several floors, but fortunately the existing parts is not altered, thus maintaining the original charm.
Some busts of musicians which were part of the crowning frieze, lost during the raised works, are now kept in the courtyard.
Also the interior undergoes changes following the alternation of owners. At the present time, an eighteenth-century imprint predominates as far as furnishing is concerned, composed of mirrors and golden consoles, tapestries, paintings, carpets and a very refined Sicilian parlor with boiserie and mirrors (Fig. 5). The original appearance remains nevertheless absolutely unchanged in all the basic structure, from the elegantly decorated ceilings, to the parquet and marble floors, to the clean and grandiose cut of the entrance and the staircase (Fig. 2, 7) and the rooms, all in different style from one another.
After a meticulous restoration, in 2002 the house becomes a prestigious venue for events, congresses and exhibitions with the name "Residenza Vignale".
Official website of Residenza Vignale
If you are interested in a guided tour of this monument send an email!
Categories: Villas und palaces Modern Architecture
Via Enrico Toti, 2, 20123 Milano MI |
Further pictures of the Residenza Vignale in the section Photography |