Palazzo Sormani

Palazzo Sormani is a Baroque building on Corso di Porta Vittoria featuring a rococo facade designed by Francesco Croce and a second facade that opens onto gardens. Benedetto Alfieri created the gardens that extend from the palazzo.

General Giovanni Batista Castaldo was the first recorded owner in the 16th century and acquired portions of a treasure from Transylvania. The building later changed hands and eventually became a public institution.

In the 17th century, Cardinal Cesare Monti displayed his art collection within these walls before the building passed to his heirs. The palazzo served as a gathering place for people interested in art and culture during that era.

The palazzo functions as Milan's central library since 1956 after extensive restoration by architect Arrigo Arrighetti. As a public library today, it provides reading and research spaces for visitors.

The inner garden contains sculptures by Agenore Fabbri depicting boar hunting scenes that were installed in 1955. Leopold Pollack designed this hidden garden, creating a quiet retreat within the city.

Location: Milan

Architects: Francesco Maria Richini, Francesco Croce, Benedetto Alfieri

Architectural style: Italian Baroque architecture

Address: Corso di Porta Vittoria, 6

GPS coordinates: 45.46195,9.19804

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01