Palazzo Serbelloni

Corso Venezia, 16. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

Duke Gabrio Serbelloni and his oldest son Giò Galeazzo built a large Palazzo in order to enhance the prestige of one of the most famous and glorious Milanese aristocratic families. The construction prompted the large-scale renewal of the entire area, known as Borgo di Porta Orientale, which at that time consisted principally of gardens, orchards, farms and monasteries.Today, Palazzo Serbelloni is part of the attractive buildings lining Corso Venezia. It is one of the finest examples of Milanese Neoclassical architecture. It is distinctive for the fine portico on the façade, completed in 1793 by Ticino architect Simone Cantoni.The building was involved in significant events over the course of two centuries of Italian, European and international history. Napoleon Bonaparte lived there in pomp for three months, and the main stateroom is dedicated to his memory with the name “Sala Napoleonica”. Other illustrious guests include the Austrian Chancellor Klemens von Metternich, Napoleon III, and king Vittorio Emanuele II Savoia, who greeted the enthusiastic crowds in the street from the portico.Today, the building comprises fine monumental interiors, a lovely court, and a well tended garden. The “Fondazione Serbelloni” uses it for the organization of prestigious events: artistic and professional functions, prize-giving ceremonies, fashion shows, exhibitions and book presentations.The “Circolo della Stampa,” Press Club, saw the presence of Sofia Loren and Vittorio De Sica on 22 December 1960, during a reception for the presentation of the film 'La Ciociara' (The Woman from Ciociara). In 1969, 1969 Lucio Battisti was present at the Circolo dinner for the presentation of the “Juke Box Sottovoce” award in the 5th Festivalbar competition.Between the columns on the first floor, there is a bas-relief by Donato and Francesco Carabelli, with scenes celebrating the Lombard League.The 1943 air-raids destroyed extensive sections of the Neoclassical construction, including the famous library with its 75,000 books, and the frescoes in the first-floor state rooms by Traballesi.