Palazzo Castiglioni – Art Nouveau Palace in Milan, Italy
Palazzo Castiglioni, located on Corso Venezia in Milan, stands as a landmark example of Italian Art Nouveau architecture, locally known as Stile Liberty. The building epitomizes the bold, expressive qualities that distinguish Milanese Liberty style from the more floral and delicate French and Belgian variants of Art Nouveau.
One of the most striking elements in this façade is the rich sculptural detail—especially above the windows and around the entrance. The entrance is emphasized with an elaborate stone portico adorned with expressive carvings and foliage.
Notice the contrast in stone treatment at the base: rough, almost volcanic textures are juxtaposed with polished stone and finely worked reliefs. This combination draws attention to the naturalistic philosophy behind Liberty architecture, where forms mimic the ruggedness of nature while embracing human craftsmanship.
The windows are framed with stylized vegetal ornamentation, continuing the organic flow across the structure. The variation in window treatment, including decorative grilles, avoids monotony and reinforces the asymmetrical Liberty aesthetic.