Itinerary
This 4-hour private tour focuses on the beautiful Art Nouveau areas of Porta Venezia, Fiera, and Magenta. However, the itinerary is completely customizable to your specific interests and wishes, and these locations can be replaced by others, such as those detailed in the next section.
Discover the famed Stile Liberty district of Porta Venezia, celebrated for its lush decorations inspired by nature, featuring motifs of plants, animals, and human figures. Buildings here showcase innovative use of materials like wrought iron, stone, wood, and ceramic tile.
Most of the days, you will have exclusive access to the iconic Casa Guazzoni because our private guide lives there. His family witnessed its restoration, and you will start by admiring the building’s exquisite hall, staircase, and paintings.
After, you will have also access to another iconic building: Palazzo Castiglioni, designed by Giuseppe Sommaruga, Milan’s most notable Art Nouveau architect. We have direct access to this “palazzo” most of the days (not Sundays). Although access is not fully guranateed, because events can be celebrated there, this is a nice part of the tour. Built for an affluent businessman, its lavish interiors reflect Liberty style sophistication.
Nearby, you’ll view Casa Galimberti and Cinema Dumont, an impressive building now serving as a library. In the greater Porta Venezia area, our guide will introduce other captivating Art Nouveau highlights.
The tour continues to the serene Fiera neighborhood, where you’ll see Villa Faccanoni Romeo (now Casa di Cura Columbus). Here, we’ll likely explore its garden and waiting room, adorned with original Liberty style decorations—a highlight of this exclusive Milanese tour.
If time allows, you will discover the neighboring Magenta district, known for its opulent mansions from the Belle Époque. A notable stop here will be Bar Magenta.
Esteemed architects like Giuseppe Sommaruga and Alfredo Campanini designed buildings that were not merely functional but also artistic masterpieces. Adorned with wrought iron, stained glass, and intricate friezes, these structures reflected the elegance and sophistication of the era. The Stile Liberty movement in Milan not only beautified the city but also showcased the city’s growing cultural and economic prominence on the international stage. Enjoy half a day discovering this new universe with our private guide.
Tailored to your interests
Where the private tour Begins and Ends
The tour begins at Palazzo Castiglioni (Corso Venezia 47) in the heart of the Porta Venezia district. The final destination will be determined during the second half of the tour based on your interests.
We will primarily walk and utilize Milan’s efficient public transport (Metro, tram, or bus) at least once during the tour.
Optional Upgrade: For guests booking a private minivan, we provide the convenience of complimentary pickup and drop-off at your hotel, the train station (perfect for arrivals from other cities), or any central location in Milan.
Exclusions
Any entrance fee applicable, transport, food and drinks.
Additional Information
To guarantee the best guide matching your interests (e.g., Art Nouveau, general culture, food, sports,…) and language, we highly recommend booking early. However, don’t hesitate to contact us via the form on the private tour page of your interest, even on short notice; we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. To secure exclusive access to these interiors and to the Monumental Cemetery, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance.
Most guests prefer our tours in English, but if you would like a tour in Italian, Spanish, French, or another language, please let us know when booking, and we’ll make arrangements to accommodate you. Each of our guides is a Milan expert, particularly in Art Nouveau, architecture, culture and history. They’ll tailor the experience to match your interests, offering unique insights.
Unexpected Changes – Events, weather, or schedule changes may impact the tour stops, but we’ll incorporate alternative sites, like Sforza Castle or hidden Milanese courtyards, to enrich your experience. Cancellations or date changes are accommodated as needed. Please note that your tour will take place, rain or shine.
Enhancements to Your Tour – While this is a half-day tour, we can add options such as museum visits, gallery stops, or specialized stops for a comprehensive Milan experience. Transportation or restaurant recommendations can also be arranged to suit your itinerary.
In the heart of Milan, Hotel Chateau Monfort is a very particular hotel with an original and attractive style gives new life to a splendid Art Nouveau palace from the early 20th century. Highly recommended.
Art Nouveau – Stile Liberty
Art Nouveau in Milan was more than just an aesthetic movement; it was a testament to innovation and progress. Architects like Giuseppe Sommaruga seamlessly blended the organic forms of Art Nouveau with the industrial spirit of the times, creating iconic structures that still grace the city’s skyline. Embarking on an Art Nouveau walk in Milan is like stepping back in time, admiring the intricate ironwork, elegant flourishes, and bold architectural expressions that characterized this era.
Beyond its local impact, Milan’s Art Nouveau movement connected the city to a broader international design movement. This artistic exchange enriched the city’s cultural landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate. As we explore Milan’s Art Nouveau heritage, we gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history and its role in shaping the course of modern design.
In just half a day, you can experience the best of Milan, including its rich Art Nouveau legacy. As you explore the city center, keep an eye out for the many examples of Art Nouveau architecture that adorn the streets. The influence of this style can be seen in the decorative elements of buildings, such as the ornate ironwork and stained glass. Our expert guide will share insights into the history and cultural significance of these architectural marvels.
Art Nouveau’s influence extended beyond the bustling city centers of Milan and Turin. Affluent patrons sought out serene countryside retreats, commissioning the construction of exquisite villas on the shores of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. These idyllic estates, adorned with Art Nouveau flourishes, offered a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The style’s reach even extended to the mountains, where elegant chalets were built in the Alps. If you plan to go there and look for more information or a guide there, write us in the form you will find in the Milan city page.
The impact of Art Nouveau was far-reaching, even permeating sacred spaces. Elaborate funeral monuments, designed in the style, can be found in Milan’s and Turin’s cemeteries, serving as a poignant reminder of the era’s aesthetic sensibilities. The tour will be guided by a dedicated local expert with special interest and knowledge in Liberty Style who will show you this district, a hidden gem of Art Nouveau.
Milan boasts hundreds of Art Nouveau buildings, and during this private tour, you’ll encounter some of its finest examples, including interior visits to select buildings. This Half-Day private tour reveals Milan’s most distinguished Art Nouveau architecture. Led by a local expert in Liberty style, this tour offers rare insights and the opportunity to explore both Palazzo Castiglioni and Casa Guazzoni, amongst other.
If you love Art Nouveau, consider a day trip to Turin, the “City of Magic,” to explore its rich architectural heritage. With quick train and car options, our exclusive half-day or full-day tours make it easy to experience Turin’s highlights. Click HERE to learn about our private Turin tours, and get ready for an unforgettable day.
