Royal Villa of Milan

The Royal Villa is a neoclassical residence in Milan featuring symmetrical facades, a monumental entrance hall, and sculptural decorations organized around a central courtyard. The building fronts Via Palestro and maintains its original room layouts with high ceilings and refined proportions.

Count Ludovico Barbiano commissioned architect Leopoldo Pollack to build the villa between 1790 and 1796. Napoleon Bonaparte later used it as his residence after arriving in the city.

The villa has housed the city's Modern Art Gallery since 1921, displaying works spanning from Neoclassicism through contemporary periods. The collection attracts visitors exploring how artistic styles changed across different eras.

The house is accessible through the entrance at Via Palestro 16 with direct access from Palestro station on the red metro line M1. The surrounding area has good public transport connections and invites walking through the neighborhood.

The surrounding English-style garden was designed by Pollack and Count Silva and became Milan's first urban park. The park contains winding paths, bridges, and small buildings set among trees.

Location: Milan

Inception: 1796

Architects: Leopoldo Pollack

Architectural style: Italian Neoclassical architecture

Address: Via Palestro 16

GPS coordinates: 45.47246,9.19985

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:20