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Campanini House, an Art Nouveau jewel among wrought iron, caryatids and frescoes

Dear fellow travelers,

As Daniela Uslan, I’m thrilled to recommend the exquisite Campanini House in Ravenna, Italy. This Art Nouveau gem is a feast for the eyes and a testament to early 20th-century architectural brilliance.

Key features:
• Built: 1906-1907
• Architect: Matteo Focaccia
• Style: Liberty (Italian Art Nouveau)
• Location: Via Ponte Marino, Ravenna

Campanini House boasts:
• Intricate wrought iron balconies and gates
• Elegant caryatids supporting the upper floors
• Stunning frescoes adorning the façade
• Floral motifs and sinuous lines typical of Art Nouveau

As you explore Ravenna’s historic center, don’t miss this architectural masterpiece. Its harmonious blend of decorative elements and structural innovation makes it a true jewel of the Liberty style.

For art and architecture enthusiasts, Campanini House offers a glimpse into Italy’s artistic evolution at the turn of the century. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Happy travels!.

Going to discover the Art Nouveau style in Milan means having the opportunity to admire buildings of inestimable value and beauty. From Castiglioni Palace until Galimberti House, not to be missed is Campanini House, among the most recommended stops when in the city. Strolling down Via Donizetti, the Art Nouveau itinerary offers so many visions, but at the intersection of Via Bellini there is an authentic wonder. Among the aspects that immediately leap to the eye are the caryatids that merge with the doorway, a tribute to Sommaruga’s caryatids, but not without their own charm, a melancholy that is defined as “intimate.” A building as graceful as it is light: we tell you about it.

The story of Casa Campanini

This Art Nouveau building is located in via Vincenzo Bellini in Milan and its history is fascinating to learn about. A palace that we can define as recent, compared to others we have told you about, but no less breathtaking: built exactly between 1904 and 1906 by architect Alfredo Campanini (it is still the family home), with the aim of creating his new residence, it is among the examples of the so-called “Milanese Art Nouveau”. A real gem that takes some of the charm from Palazzo Castiglioni, but expressing it in a totally unique way. This jewel house of Milanese Art Nouveau can be easily reached via the red line from San Babila or Palestro station, both of which are less than a 10-minute walk away.

The architecture of Casa Campanini

Looking at the exterior of Casa Campanini, it is impossible not to be fascinated. The presence of the concrete caryatids makes the building even more sumptuous and prestigious. They were created by the sculptor Michele Vedani, who chose to opt for modernist experimentation. The richness of the decorations and details is just one of the starting points to describe the beauty of the exteriors of Casa Campanini. The dark wooden doorway, the balcony with wrought-iron balustrade, the caryatids that welcome visitors. The very caryatids do not present austerity, but invite one to enter to explore the building’s interior.

The magnificent balcony of Casa Campanini in Milan.

The Art Nouveau, after all, known in Italy as the Floral or Art Nouveau style, first came to Italy during the late 19th century, exactly in Palermo, and then in Turin. Why are there so many floral decorations? The reason is simple, and one must delve into Art Nouveau itself, which stood in opposition to industrialization, for a return to a lifestyle that was much healthier and above all devoted to nature. The latter remained the main source of inspiration, with some notable aspects: the stylization of elements, with the introduction of blades of grass to enliven and create dynamism.

We have already talked about the caryatids: indeed, they are nothing short of breathtaking. Imposing, graceful, they complete the building: made by sculptor Michele Vedani, they pay homage to Sommaruga’s monumental ones. Campanini himself designed the entrance gate, then made of wrought iron (among the most common materials inside this authentic Art Nouveau jewel), obviously echoing the floral motifs. Inside the building and in the elevator, you can see the continuum: elegance is the main inspiration. Comparing it to Castiglioni Palace, is perhaps less majestic, as the needs of everyday life were mostly observed.

The interior and exterior of Campanini House.

Why is Campanini House so fascinating? For one reason: many period buildings and palaces have been modernized over time. Many, but not this one: when you enter inside, you can immediately admire the rich and lavish Art Nouveau decorations, with the original interiors of the period. Every object has retained its dimension, such as the glass in the doors, or even the furniture and paintings. An apt choice, to discover an authentic Liberty jewel in that of Milan.

Impossible not to mention the inner courtyard, to be admired especially during spring, when the wisteria is in bloom: an enchanting space to experience at least once in your life to go back in time and discover the sumptuousness of the Art Nouveau style. Inside Campanini House, the decorations follow one after another, alternating floral and botanical prints at geometric patterns. Thus, the hallway is richly decorated, colorful, but the hues and shades chosen are not too vivid or bright. They enhance the beauty of the Art Nouveau style, turning out somber at times.

On the ceiling, we cannot help but be fascinated by the bouquets of red cherries: once again, it is the floral style to communicate the enormous desire to return to nature, to express a deep sense of beauty without frills, because it is nature that gives everything and completes everything. In the center, wrought iron, protagonist material of this building, is also used for the chandelier, which is almost modern-inspired, if not spatial. Worth mentioning are the stairs, which instead act as a counterbalance, in a unique play of colors: if in the hallway the atmosphere becomes almost gloomy and melancholy, in the stairs, on the other hand, we observe a return to color, between orange and pastel green. As always, we find the floral decorations, a leitmotif among friezes and frescoes that we cannot but recommend to discover, taking a walk with a “dip” in time. The main door of Casa Campanini, surrounded by the majestic caryatids

The main door of Campanini House, surrounded by the majestic caryatids

Don’t miss the interior for one reason: the chance to admire one of the very first elevators in Milan. Dated 1906, the structure is the original: everything has been maintained to offer an in-depth look at Milan’s Art Nouveau style, without contamination modern. The beauty of Casa Campanini, in addition to being known by the Milanese, is very renowned, so much so that tourists and style enthusiasts choose to include it in their itinerary when visiting the city. Still in Milan, in any case, it is possible to discover additional palaces and villas with a unique appearance: such as Villa Arconati, the small Versailles of Milan, or even Villa Clea, the “fluid residence for artists,” and, finally, Villa Clerici, a mansion on the Naviglio Grande, for a majestic itinerary in that of the Milanese city.. Last little tip before I leave you: when you walk to get away from the palace, stop for a few minutes and admire the design of the chimneys on the roof, which vaguely resemble sand pinnacles.

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