Casa Felisari or Palazzo Pathé, the story of one of Milan’s most mysterious buildings

Milan is a city that looks to the future, but with its roots firmly planted in the past. A past that hides buildings and sites rich in history and culture, but also mysterious and fascinating buildings, guardians of legends and stories that contrast with the formal and futuristic profile of the new skyscrapers.

Palazzo Pathé, also known as Casa Felisari, is a kind of open-air museum, and one of the most mysterious buildings in Milan.

Thanks to its timeless charm, it stands out impressively in the complex architectural panorama of the Milanese metropolis. Let’s explore the history of this enigmatic and eerie-looking building.

Where is Casa Felisari (or Palazzo Pathé) located?

Casa Felisari (or Palazzo Pathé) is located in the heart of Milan, at 11 Via Settembrini, on the corner of 32 Via Ruggero Boscovich, in the Buenos Aires area. It is a building in neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau style that captures the attention of everyone who passes by.

The residence was built in 1910, based on a design by the architect Giulio Ulisse Arata. It was the headquarters of the Italian branch of the French film company ‘Pathé’, from which it took its second name.

In addition to its architectural appearance and decorations, this historic residence has witnessed many transformations, and legends have been handed down over the years, but never proven. Belonging to the Felisari family, it has undergone various renovations that have maintained its fascinating and historical appearance.

Today, Casa Felisari is a blend of past and present, set in the urban fabric of Milan, a silent witness to the eras that have seen it grow and evolve.

The mysterious and eerie charm of Casa Felisari

The building has an austere, eerie exterior, with a richly decorated façade and opulent interiors.

Casa Felisari is an emblematic example of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture from the early 20th century in Milan. The richness of the decorations, the refinement of the interiors and the harmony of the forms make it a building of great prestige.

A building that clashes with the formal and avant-garde lines of the more recent Milanese skyline.

What are the façades of Casa Felisari like?

The main façade, on Via Ruggero Boscovich, is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. The white stone cladding, the curved and sinuous lines, the floral decorations and the coloured glass windows create a harmony of unique shapes and colours.

The entrance doorway is surmounted by a balcony with a wrought iron balustrade. The windows are decorated with stone frames and coloured glass.

In the centre of the façade there is a large window with a semi-circular tympanum and floral decorations.

The decorations of Casa Felisari

The façades are richly decorated with stucco, bas-reliefs, mosaics and stained glass. Floral motifs, mythological animals and female figures are some of the recurring themes.

The cornice is adorned with corbels and garlands. The stained glass windows, crafted by Alessandro Mazzucotelli, are a distinctive feature of the building.

*Cover image – Credits to @lachiccamilanese

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Buildings and Skyscrapers

Dream Homes

Luxury Real Estate

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