Itinerary
During this short 2-hour walking private tour you will discover some of the most important Art Nouveau buildings in Milan, those located in the Porta Venezia district, a quarter that holds a very important place within the history of Art Nouveau in Europe. Its exuberant decorations inspired by the forms of nature, such as plants, flowers, animals and human figures, and a variety of traditional and innovative materials: wrought iron, stone, brick, cement, wood and ceramic tile.
Visiting it with use you will have the privilege of discovering the interior of the wonderful Casa Guazzoni because the our main tour guide is an expert architectural historian who lives there and saw its restoration first hand. You will certainly admire the building’s hall, its exceptional staircase, and the paintings displayed there. Even more interestingly, you will see the interior of a flat.
Palazzo Castiglioni is a work of Giuseppe Sommaruga, the most popular Art Nouveau architect of Milan, and you will most likely visit it as well. From Monday to Saturday you will be able to admire the interior and have an in-depth visit to the palace. As the palace was built for a wealthy local businessman who wanted the building to reflect his status, its interiors are richly decorated in Liberty style.
In the nearby via Malpighi you will see Casa Galimberti and Cinema Dumont, an impressive building that nowadays hosts a local library. Our guide will show you more interesting spots related to Art Nouveau.
If there is some time left, during the same 2-hour tour, you may also enjoy Casa Campanini, located near the City Center of Milan.
In just two hours you’ll get a taste of what makes Milano a hidden gem for Art Nouveau lovers. The capital of the Lombardy region is also the capital of Italian fashion and design, one of the largest cities of Italy and its most important economical center.
Tailored to your interests
Where the private tour Begins and Ends
This private tour will starts at Palazzo Castiglioni (Corso Venezia 47) and end in front of Casa Guazzoni (Via Marcello Malpighi, 12).
Exclusions
Food and drinks. During the private tour, your guide can recommend local spots for refreshments or a meal.
Public transport tickets are not included, nor are the costs of any entrance tickets to museums or paid attractions, although they are not planned in the itinerary of this private tour.
Additional Information
Art Nouveau – Stile Liberty
Milan’s Porta Venezia district is a hidden gem, boasting a captivating collection of Art Nouveau architecture. This style, known as Stile Liberty in Italy, flourished in the early 20th century, and Porta Venezia stands as a testament to its grandeur. The neighborhood’s elegant buildings, adorned with intricate ironwork, stained glass, and floral motifs, reflect the city’s industrial boom and the growing wealth of its bourgeoisie.
As you wander through the streets of Porta Venezia, you’ll encounter a diverse range of architectural styles, from the grand apartment blocks to the charming villas. Some of the most notable examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the district include the Casa Galimberti, with its stunning facade and ornate balconies, and the Casa Guazzoni, a masterpiece of Liberty style. Read more about Porta Venezia quarter by clicking HERE.
The turn of the 20th century witnessed a dynamic interplay of art and industry in Milan. The city’s burgeoning industrial bourgeoisie sought to express their wealth and status through architecture, fostering the growth of the Art Nouveau movement, known locally as Stile Liberty. Buildings adorned with intricate ironwork, floral motifs, and playful putti became symbols of the era’s elegance and innovation. Architects like Giuseppe Sommaruga and Alfredo Campanini pushed the boundaries of design, merging functionality with aesthetic beauty.
The Stile Liberty movement in Milan not only elevated the city’s architectural landscape but also contributed to its cultural vibrancy, hosting a range of significant events within its iconic buildings. It is interesting to see how despite the rich presence of art nouveau in Milan, none of the art nouveau jewels make the typical TOP 10 highlight list of this Italian city; we analyzed by this happens – read it in this LINK. Italy is the country with more cultural tourism in the world, and Rome its main city, but Milan also has plenty of museums, as you can find out by checking its list of museums.
Today, Milan continues to celebrate its Art Nouveau heritage, recognizing the style’s enduring impact on the city’s identity. By preserving these architectural gems, Milan ensures that the spirit of innovation and creativity that characterized the Liberty times remains alive and well. It is always interesting to compare Milan with Turin, a great Italian city also full of art nouveau. You can read about a comparision of the two cities by clicking HERE.