Once upon a time, a guardian watched over Porta Orientale. This is the story of Casa Fontana Silvestri, one of Milan’s rare Renaissance survivors.
Casa Fontana Silvestri stands on Corso Venezia. It whispers tales from the 12th century. Its current form? A blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles from the late 14th century.
Locals know it as “Ca’ del Guardian.” Angelo Fontana, the guardian of Porta Orientale lived here in 1476. The gate, near the house, was torn down in the 19th century. Legend says Renzo Tramaglino, from “I Promessi Sposi,” entered Milan through this gate.
After Angelo Fontana, Francesco Fontana, a senator under the Sforza family, resided here in the late 15th century. Over the centuries, the house passed through families like the Pirovano, Stampa, Castiglioni and Senator Giovanni Silvestri.
Many believe Donato Bramante shaped its architecture in the late 15th century. He redesigned its layout during his time in Milan. Bramante worked on projects for the Duke and other court figures. He likely added inner structures that created a courtyard enclosed by a wall.
The Fontana home featured a ground floor with rectangular windows. Above, the main floor boasted arched windows. Both levels had rich floral decorations in terracotta. Small circular openings let light into the attic.
Bramante aimed to enrich the palace. He sought to balance the facade’s irregularities with frescoes of mythological figures. Sadly, these frescoes have faded. Some say Bramantino painted them. Traces remain on the frieze under the cornice. Here, you can spot bacchanals of cherubs, sirens, tritons, goats and lambs alternating with male busts.
Some experts date Bramante’s work to 1475. They consider the house’s painted decorations one of his first Milanese works. Others place it between 1480 and 1485. The arched windows were early examples in Milanese architecture as Gothic forms still dominated the province. Some suggest Bramante designed the terracotta decorations.
However, attributing the design to Bramante is debated. Some art historians note that many Lombard buildings from the late 15th century were credited to Bramante, even before his arrival in Milan.
Casa Fontana Silvestri sits near Porta Orientale now Porta Venezia within the Navigli district. It ranks among Milan’s oldest private homes. Its style blends Lombard and Florentine elements. Influences of Tuscan masters like Filarete, Michelozzo, and Benedetto Ferrini are visible. They enriched Milan with their genius.
The entrance features marble candelabra columns. Windows have terracotta frames. Frescoes adorn the inner rooms. A frieze with medallions depicting deities and a fountain the family emblem runs under a coffered ceiling.
The facade displays changes across centuries. It reflects architectural styles evolving from medieval Gothic to Renaissance and 18th-century styles. Arched windows on the ground floor revealed during restoration hint at a medieval building.
The Silvestri family restored the building in the late 19th century. Another restoration in 1961 aimed to restore its Renaissance appearance. Work revealed Gothic windows. Architect Ferdinando Reggiori chose to leave them visible. A light restoration in 2001 preserved the authentic facade avoiding invasive changes.
Casa Fontana Silvestri stands as a silent witness. It connects us to Milan’s rich past. It links the era of gatekeepers to dukes, senators, and artists. Its walls hold stories. They are waiting to be discovered by those who pause to look and listen.