Casa Calise

Intrigued by whispers of cherubs and caryatids, let’s unlock the secrets of Casa Calise. Right here on Hipólito Yrigoyen, this architectural marvel beckons us to explore its rich narrative. Casa Calise isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the Art Nouveau movement, specifically the Liberty Milanese style. Built in 1911 for the Calise family, renowned winemakers, it was originally designed as luxury apartments with commercial spaces on the ground floor. The architect, Virginio Colombo, along with sculptor Ercole Pasina and builder Pedro Ferloni, left their signatures on the facade, a rare practice that speaks to their pride in this creation. Casa Calise boasts an impressive array of artistic elements. Thirteen female statues, ten cherubs, twelve female heads on corbels, three stained-glass windows, and a central relief, possibly depicting Prometheus and Pandora, adorn its facade. A closer look reveals a nautilus design in the main portico’s ironwork and grapevines adorning the structure, a nod to the Calise family’s winemaking legacy. Inside, four female sculptures grace the shared landing of the two main entrances. A unique openwork partition allows a glimpse of these statues from one entrance to the other. Over the years, Casa Calise faced economic hardships and changing demographics. Wealthier residents moved to different neighborhoods, and a lack of maintenance led to occupancy by lower-income families. But the story doesn’t end there. A dedicated group of co-owners, recognizing the building’s historical significance, secured funding through the Ministry of Culture’s Subsidy Program. This allowed for a significant restoration of the facade in 2018, breathing new life into Casa Calise. Today, some units in this historically protected building are for sale, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of Buenos Aires’ architectural history. As you gaze at Casa Calise, imagine the echoes of its past. From the bustling commercial activity on the ground floor to the elegant gatherings within its apartments, this building has witnessed over a century of Buenos Aires’ vibrant history.