Palazzo Arese Borromeo, nestled in the charming town of Cesano Maderno in Lombardy, Italy, is a splendid historical palace that offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Italian nobility. This grand residence, with its rich history and exquisite architecture, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the region.
The origins of Palazzo Arese Borromeo date back to the 16th century when the northern wing was constructed by Bartolomeo Senior. The palace underwent significant expansion around 1620 under the direction of Giulio I Arese. However, the most substantial transformation occurred between 1654 and 1670, under the auspices of Count Bartolomeo III Arese, the then President of the Senate of Milan. It was under his vision and patronage that the humble country villa in Cesano Maderno was transformed into the magnificent residence we see today.
Bartolomeo III Arese was not only a politician but also a benefactor and patron of the arts. His contributions extended beyond the palace to include the construction of the family chapel in San Vittore al Corpo in Milan, the Dominican monastery of San Pietro Martire in Seveso, and the imposing Palazzo Arese, now known as Palazzo Litta, in Milan. He also played a significant role in the renovation of the Church of Santa Maria alla Porta and the Church of San Nicolao in Milan.
Today, Palazzo Arese Borromeo is owned by the municipal administration, and its interiors are open to the public for guided tours on weekends. The palace's park, on the other hand, is open daily and offers free entry to visitors.
The architectural design of Palazzo Arese Borromeo is a testament to the tastes and cultural inclinations of Bartolomeo III Arese. The palace, built in the late-Baroque Lombard style, is the heart of a complex urban project aimed at enhancing the noble residence's prominence within the village of Cesano Maderno.
One of the most striking features of the palace is its main facade, which faces the Esedra, a semi-circular piazza designed to serve as a grand theatrical backdrop for festivities and entertainments. This area was later repurposed as a market square and underwent significant modifications in the 20th century. However, thanks to restorations completed in 1997, the Esedra has regained its original form and function, highlighting its architectural value inspired by the typology of water theaters.
To the west of the palace stretches a straight avenue, now known as Corso Libertà, which features the ancient, now deconsecrated, Church of Santo Stefano and its newer counterpart built in 1937. On the eastern side, a vast, enclosed garden extends, with a perspective axis from the palace's Genoese loggia leading to a fountain and a grand portal in the garden wall.
The interior of Palazzo Arese Borromeo is organized into various quarters. The ground floor houses service rooms, while the eastern side contains the state rooms, preceded by the Portico dei Cesari. Two grand staircases connect the ground floor to the piano nobile, or noble floor.
Among the rooms on this floor, the Great Reception Hall stands out, centrally located on the western facade. To the south are rooms dedicated to culture and sciences, connected to the grand gallery on the southern side. To the north, a series of rooms lead to the oratory, publicly accessible from the street and dedicated to the Guardian Angels and Saint Anthony of Padua.
The northern side of the courtyard housed the women's quarters, with apartments for the Countess and her daughters. Opposite, connected to the Genoese loggia, was Count Bartolomeo III Arese's apartment, adjacent to the library and the apartment of his son, Giulio II.
The southern side of the palace contained the family's artistic and literary collections, the private chapel of Saint Peter Martyr, and the grand gallery once adorned with artworks and sculptures. The southern courtyard and the servants' quarters were attached to this side, while the northern side featured additional buildings organized around three courtyards, accommodating services and kitchens.
The decorative elements of Palazzo Arese Borromeo, recently restored to their former glory, make it one of the most fascinating palaces in the region. The frescoes, which adorn thirty-three rooms, were created by renowned Milanese artists such as Ercole Procaccini the Younger, the Montalto brothers, Antonio Busca, Giovanni Ghisolfi, Giuseppe Nuvolone, and Federico Bianchi. These paintings were part of a comprehensive project aimed at conveying political and cultural messages. The frescoes on the piano nobile, in particular, reflect a program of glorification of the family's economic and political power and their commitment to culture and science. Notable are the Boscherecce, natural scenes that envelop the viewer in a recreated, mythological landscape.
The most important room in terms of decoration is undoubtedly the Hall of Honor, also known as the Hall of the Roman Feasts. This room is adorned with a two-tiered decoration: the lower tier features scenes from Roman history and painted statues of kings and emperors, while the upper tier depicts ladies and gentlemen, musicians, servants, and beggars, who appear to observe the festivities from a painted balustrade, creating an illusion of a virtual audience.
A special mention goes to the nymphaeum, an ideal connection between the palace and the nature of the park. Located in a ground-floor extension of the northern wing, the nymphaeum features mosaic decorations, water features, and plants, creating a space for meditation and contemplation, blending reason and nature harmoniously.
Beyond the southern side of the palace, the Italian garden extends along the axis of the loggia and fountain, with water features added in 1755 at the count's behest. The northern side of the garden features grassy areas of the park.
Another intriguing feature is the recently discovered and restored icehouse, which has been carefully preserved to maintain its original form and functional characteristics, showcasing a simple yet refined ancient structure.
Palazzo Arese Borromeo is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of the cultural and architectural heritage of Lombardy. Its walls and gardens tell the story of a noble family and their contributions to the arts, politics, and society. A visit to this magnificent palace offers a journey through history, art, and nature, making it an unforgettable experience for all who step through its grand gates.
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