Palazzo Bigli, Renaissance palazzo near Via Monte Napoleone, Milan, Italy.
Palazzo Bigli is a Renaissance building in Milan featuring a marble portal framed by Corinthian pilasters and a Latin inscription on the upper cornice. The courtyard has four sides with five arches on each side and cross vaults that vary in depth throughout.
Construction began in 1500 by the Bigli family from Rovato and was later taken over by the Aliprandi family during its development. This transfer marked a shift in the building's artistic direction and design choices.
The entrance displays the initials AA of Ambrogio Aliprandi within vine decorations, while corner reliefs show an Annunciation attributed to Bambaja. These ornaments shape how visitors experience the courtyard and link the family's identity to the artistic elements.
The building is located at Via Bigli 11 in central Milan and is best reached on foot since the Monte Napoleone area is very walkable. Visitors should know that access may be limited as this is an occupied residence.
The interior walls of the courtyard, portico, and entrance hall contain frescoes from the early 1500s painted in the style of Luini. These overlooked wall paintings are among the building's most valuable artistic features and often go unnoticed by visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
