Palazzo Litta

Palazzo Litta, located at Corso Magenta 24 in Milan, represents one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in the city. Its construction, started in 1642, was commissioned by Count Bartolomeo III Arese and entrusted to the architect Francesco Maria Richini. The palace was designed to reflect the status and wealth of the Arese family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Milan. Rich and powerful, the Arese wanted a building that would represent their prestige, and Palazzo Litta became a center of splendor and culture. The imposing facade, facing Corso Magenta, is characterized by a monumental portal framed by two telamons supporting a decorated balcony. The facade was designed by Bartolomeo Bolli in the 18th century on behalf of the Litta family, who succeeded the Arese. This Rococo style, with its curved lines and elaborate decorations, contrasts with the sobriety of the central body designed by Richini, creating a perfect balance between elegance and opulence. The interior of the palace is no less fascinating. The main courtyard, known as the Richini Court, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with a portico on all four sides that gives a sense of grandeur and harmony. From the courtyard, you can access the dramatic main staircase, designed by Carlo Giuseppe Merlo in 1740. This bifurcated staircase, known as “a forbice,” leads to the noble apartments on the upper floor, characterized by rich decorations and frescoes. Among the most significant rooms in the palace are the Red Salon and the Yellow Salon, lined with precious fabrics and furnished with antique furniture. The Hall of Mirrors is particularly fascinating, with large mirrors on the walls and a ceiling painted by Giovanni Antonio Cucchi, depicting the apotheosis of the Litta family. The attention to detail and the quality of the decorations make these rooms true jewels of Milanese Baroque. The palace has a rich and complex history. During the 18th century, under the ownership of the Litta family, it became a center of social and cultural life. Grand parties and receptions were held in its halls, attracting the Milanese elite and numerous distinguished guests, including Maria Theresa of Austria and Napoleon Bonaparte. The palace’s private chapel, later transformed into a theater, testifies to the versatility of the spaces and the importance of culture for its owners. In the 19th century, the palace was sold to the Society for the Railways of Upper Italy, which used it as an administrative headquarters. This marked the beginning of a period of transformations, during which the building was adapted to new functional needs while preserving its most significant architectural and decorative elements. During World War II, Palazzo Litta suffered serious damage from bombings, which destroyed part of the structure. However, thanks to careful restoration work based on ancient drawings and documents, the building was restored to its original splendor. In the following years, the palace underwent further restoration and adjustments, preserving its beauty and architectural integrity. Today, Palazzo Litta is an important cultural and museum center. It houses the Regional Secretariat of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism for Lombardy, the Regional Museum Center of Lombardy, and the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Metropolitan City of Milan. These institutions make it a vibrant and dynamic place where history and culture intertwine with contemporary life.