Palazzo Litta
Palazzo Arese-Litta is a Lombard Baroque palace located in Corso Magente, in Milan, Italy. The building dates from the city's period of Spanish domination. The core of the palazzo was built by architect Francesco Maria Richini for the powerful Count Bartolomeo Arese, at the middle of the 17th century. Thus, the building became a significant centre of fashionable and political culture in Milan. Over the years, grand parties have held receptions here, for personalities such as the Archduchess Mariana of Austria, Maria Theresa of Austria, Margaret Theresa of Spain and even for Napoleon.
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The two story Palazzo Litta preserves its baroque features. The front entrance is flanked by two atlases supporting a balcony. The facade is surmounted by a central tympanum with the dramatic sculpture of a giant shell-like cameo flanked by statues, a flamboyant or rococo feature.
The baroque decoration of the windows consists of entablements with floral patterns and volutes. Semi-engaged corinthic-inspired columns or strip pilasters and grotesque masks give rhythm and scenic character to the facade.
The ground floor, encompassing the reception area and apartments, was designed in Classical Renaissance style. It is furnished with beautiful red vintage wallpaper and gold leaf ornamentation and dominated by an imposing forked staircase with sophisticated curves, built mid-18th century by Carlo Francesco Merlo. The staircase leads to the apartments, which are partly refurbished and display murals by Giovanni Antonio Cucchi.
The space of the staircase features impressive frescoes drawn in perspective, gold leaf stuccoes and statues. The mirror hall or "Sala degli Specchi" with gold panel decoration, gilded flower patterns and precious chandeliers and the "Salotto Rosso" are also worth visiting. An elegant colonnade leads to the garden courtyard.
The family oratory was later converted into a private theater for the use of the family and their guests. It is the oldest theatre in Milan and is still in use today, as the "Teatro Litta di Milano".
