Casa Cotechini

Is this where the ice man lived? We’re standing in front of Casa Cotechini. Don’t let the name fool you. We’re not about to delve into the history of the famous Italian sausage. This house, built in 1914, has a story uniquely its own. The Cotechini family, who commissioned this house, opted for a rather curious location. See how it sits right beside the bustling Viale Gramsci? Back in the day, this road was a major artery connecting Milan to Monza. Imagine the constant hum of activity! Now, look closer at Casa Cotechini itself. The Art Nouveau style, also known as Liberty style in Italy, is evident in the colorful floral tiles adorning its roof. It’s a touch of whimsy on an otherwise sturdy structure of brick and concrete. Interestingly, Casa Cotechini wasn’t built in isolation. Right next door stood a place vital to the community before the days of widespread refrigeration: an artificial ice factory. Can you imagine? Until the 1950s, families relied on these factories to keep their food fresh. Every week, people would make their way here to buy large blocks of ice, carefully sized to fit their iceboxes. The Cotechini family, living right next door, must’ve had a front-row seat to this daily ritual. It’s a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when something as simple as ice brought people together.