Palazzo Borromeo (Milan)

Facade of the palace in Piazza Borromeo

Palazzo Borromeo ("Borromeo Palace") is a 13th-century building of Milan, Italy, located at street number 12 of the eponymous city square, Piazza Borromeo.

History

The palace was built in the 13th century for the House of Borromeo. At the time, the Borromeo (originally from Florence) were quickly consolidating their influence on Milan and Northern Italy, partly through their good relationship with Duke Francesco Sforza. The palace eventually became the centre of a sort of "Borromeo citadel" within the city proper. The Borromeo used the area for celebrations and events such as chivalrous tournaments.^[1] The palace was also renowned for housing a prestigious art collection.^[2]

The palace has a late Gothic architecture, which has nevertheless undergone several major modifications through the centuries (and most notably after being damaged by bombings in World War II).

The main feature of the facade is the large doorway, decorated with white and red marble. The inner courtyard is the part of the palace that is best preserved; some of the original frescos are still visible. Notable frescos representing the tourneys held by the Borromeo are also found in one of the rooms of the palace, known as the "architecture study"; they are credited to painter Michelino da Besozzo.^[2]

The palace is still the property of the Borromeo family.

References

1. Palazzo Borromeo
2. See Lanza, pp. 27-30

Sources

• Attilia Lanza, Milano e i suoi palazzi: Porta Vercellina, Comasina e Nuova, Libreria Meravigli Editrice, Milan 1993

Coordinates: 45°27′48″N 9°10′56″E / 45.4634°N 9.1822°E