Palazzina Sessa

Envision yourself in 1900s Milan, a city brimming with artistic innovation. Here, amidst the burgeoning Porta Magenta district, a prominent figure named Giuseppe Sessa had a vision. He commissioned a unique residence, a palazzina that would embody the spirit of the Lombard Renaissance. This is the story of Palazzina Sessa. Palazzina Sessa stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Cecilio Arpesani. Arpesani, a master of the eclectic style, meticulously crafted the palazzina between 1900 and 1906. His design drew inspiration from the Bramante style, a hallmark of the Lombard Renaissance. The palazzina’s charm lies in its intricate details. A robust Serizzo stone base elevates the structure. The walls rise in exposed brick up to the first floor. Above, a smooth plaster finish adorned with graffiti-like floral motifs adds a touch of elegance. A prominent wooden eave with large brackets supporting the roof beams crowns the palazzina. Originally, the grounds boasted a wrought-iron fence. They encompassed not only the main three-story building but also a gatehouse, carriage and automobile garages, and even stables. A charming portico with groin vaults, supported by slender Serizzo columns, connected the gatehouse to the palazzina. This portico led to a carriage porch and the main entrance on the raised ground floor. Palazzina Sessa’s interior was equally captivating. The basement housed the kitchen, service areas, boiler room for central heating, laundry, and ironing room. The ground floor featured reception rooms. These rooms showcased tempera paintings by Ernesto Rusca, who also worked on restoring the Sforza Castle. The first floor housed bedrooms, each with access to terraces overlooking the ground floor exedras. A dressing room and study areas completed this level. The second floor contained servant quarters and a separate apartment accessible from the outside. Each floor featured a three-bay loggia adorned with graffiti in the southeast corner. Today, the surrounding garden, filled with mature trees, partially obscures Palazzina Sessa from passersby. However, its architectural grandeur and rich history continue to resonate, reminding us of Milan’s vibrant past and the vision of Giuseppe Sessa.