Palazzo Erba Odescalchi, Mannerist palace in central Milan, Italy.
Palazzo Erba Odescalchi is a Mannerist building in central Milan, with characteristic architectural elements from the 16th century. The facade displays twelve emperor busts in window pediments, while the inner courtyard features female figures beneath semicircular arches and a distinctive spiral staircase.
The building took shape in the 1570s through renovations by Pellegrino Tibaldi and later became the residence of Bishop Benedetto Erba Odescalchi. Redesign by one of the period's leading architects established the palazzo's distinctive style.
The palace shows how the Erba-Odescalchi family used their home to display their power and connections to the Church. Walking through, you notice how every detail reflects the wealth and influence they wanted to communicate.
The building now serves as the headquarters of Milan's II Police District and can be viewed from the outside in its central location. Be aware that it remains an active government building, so interior access may be limited or not available.
A spiral staircase in the courtyard shows innovative design from the Renaissance and connects the different levels of the building in an unusual way. This stair design was a technical and artistic achievement at the time, demonstrating both engineering skill and artistic ambition.
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