Casino at Marino, Neoclassical folly in Dublin, Ireland
The Casino at Marino is a neoclassical pleasure house in Dublin that appears from the outside to be a modest single-story structure. Inside, it conceals sixteen rooms spread across three floors, making it an architectural puzzle.
Scottish architect William Chambers designed this building between 1757 and 1775 for James Caulfeild, the first Earl of Charlemont, following his travels through Europe. The project was shaped by Italian architectural influences the Earl had encountered during his journeys.
The building takes its name from Italian, simply meaning house, reflecting how Italian architectural ideas shaped the country estates of Irish nobility.
The building is small and compact, making it possible to explore its interior in a short time. You should take time to notice the hidden details, since many functional elements are cleverly integrated into the decoration.
The rainwater gutters are hidden inside hollow columns that serve as functional pipes while contributing to the building's elegant appearance. The large decorative urns on the roof are also not what they seem – they are actually chimneys for the house's heating system.
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