Milan architect restores 15th-century palazzo

INTERACTIVE GALLERY See more of the estate Piero Castellini

July 31, 2000
Web posted at: 9:50 a.m. EDT (1350 GMT)

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MILAN (CNN) -- In the heart of Milan sits a 15th-century palazzo that has a history as rich as the city itself.

Built for relatives of the powerful Sforza family, which ruled Milan from 1450 to 1535, it has belonged since 1920 to the family of Piero Castellini, who has lovingly restored the central part of the palazzo.

Also restored are the gardens, which Leonardo da Vinci walked through while painting "The Last Supper" at a nearby church.

In the main entrance hall, 17th-century frescoes grace the walls and ceiling. Among them are signs of the zodiac.

"So you see the balance, the two fishes," Castellini said. "You see the twins and they are very, very nice. They are full of light, full of sun." Other frescoes depict the four seasons, an ancient map of Italy and angels.

Seventeenth-century frescoes decorate the walls and ceiling in the palazzo's main entrance hall

There's also a second entrance, named for Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini. He painted all the faces of the Sforza family members, whose portraits complete a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

The family also is honored with a painting of its crest in the living room, which Castellini restored in two stages. First, he returned to its original color the 16th-century boiserie-- or wood paneling -- that his grandfather had painted black.

In the second phase of restoration, Castellini redid the furnishings and fabrics.

"We decide to make a surprise to my mother for Christmas, and in two months I change all the colors, the curtain and the sofas, and my mother was so happy," he said.

The most important work of art in the living room is a 17th-century painting, the Tower of Babylon, which Castellini also had restored.

"This painting was completely black, and you cannot see anything and now you can see the best. Was a very long work," he said.

The family often gathers in the piano room, which has a rare, 18th-century place service above the marble fireplace. And on the walls are paintings of animals.

"They are painting of 18th-century painter, Crespi. They are very rare because he was famous for painting ... very important people."

The most satisfying aspect of the restoration project is having his family there enjoying it with him, Castellini says.

"More than the paintings, the walls; you feel the walls on you. Is very warm," he said. "I have (created) the impression to have always lived my life here."

CNN Style Correspondent Elsa Klensch contributed to this report.

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