Itinerary
This fully customizable 4-hour private tour of Milan focuses on three distinct Art Nouveau areas. If you’d like to explore Milan’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, or any other sights, we can easily tailor the experience to suit your interests.
1.- Porta Venezia: Discover the famed Stile Liberty district, 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. On select days, you’ll access the interiors of two iconic buildings: Palazzo Castiglioni and Casa Guazzoni.
Palazzo Castiglioni, designed by Giuseppe Sommaruga, Milan’s most notable Art Nouveau architect, opens for in-depth visits Monday to Saturday. Built for an affluent businessman, its lavish interiors reflect Liberty style sophistication. On weekends, we enter Casa Guazzoni, guided by an architectural historian who resides there and witnessed its restoration. Admire the building’s exquisite hall, staircase, and paintings.
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.
2.- Fiera and Magenta: 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, we’ll visit the neighboring Magenta district, known for its opulent mansions from the Belle Époque. A notable stop here is Bar Magenta.
3.- Monumental Cemetery: A true must-see, the Cimitero Monumentale offers an open-air museum of modern art and a symbolic pantheon to Milan’s historic middle class. This cemetery blends Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque influences with striking Art Nouveau features. Each gravestone is a unique expression of the Liberty style and Symbolism. As the cemetery closes on Mondays, tours scheduled for that day will spend extra time in Porta Venezia and Magenta/Fiera.
Tailored to your interests
Where the private tour Begins and Ends
If you prefer public transport or taxis, we will begin our tour at Palazzo Castiglioni in the Porta Venezia area and conclude at the Cimitero Monumentale (or at another place).
For those opting for a private minivan, we offer convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel, the train station (ideal if you’re arriving from Turin or another city), or any central location within Milan.
All the group must use the same transport option.
Exclusions
Any entrance fee applicable, transport, food and drinks.
Additional Information
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 more about our private Milan tours, and get ready for an unforgettable day.