Casa dell’Orecchio

Whispers carry on the wind at Casa dell’Orecchio. They speak of secrets confided to a unique bronze ear. Casa dell’Orecchio, also known as Palazzo Sola-Busca, stands in Milan on Via Serbelloni. This intriguing building, with its striking Art Nouveau and Neo-Eclectic design, was constructed between 1924 and 1927. Designed by the architect Aldo Andreani, Casa dell’Orecchio takes its popular nickname, “Ca’ dell’oreggia,” meaning “house of the ear,” from a peculiar feature. Adorning the entrance is a large bronze sculpture of an ear, a creation of Andreani himself. This ear wasn’t merely decorative. It originally functioned as a citofono, an early intercom, possibly one of the first in Italy. Imagine whispering your secrets into this giant ear, hoping they would reach the intended recipient inside. This unique feature has sparked a persistent legend. It’s said that whispering a wish into Wildt’s ear, as it’s often mistakenly attributed, will make it come true. The ear is often wrongly credited to Adolfo Wildt, Andreani’s sculpting teacher. While Wildt didn’t create the ear, the monumental scale and anatomical details echo his style. The main entrance of Casa dell’Orecchio is a spectacle of ornate decorations. Balconies, volutes, and tympana create a dramatic and imposing facade. Contrast this with the rusticated ground floor and the simpler, rectilinear window moldings on the upper floors. Casa dell’Orecchio whispers tales of architectural ingenuity and artistic flair. It’s a place where function met fantasy, and where a simple communication device became a source of local lore. So next time you’re in Milan, take a moment to admire Casa dell’Orecchio. Whisper your wish into the bronze ear and perhaps, just perhaps, it will come true.