Maggiani Palace

Considered the first Art Nouveau building of the city, it is probably one of the very first examples in Italy as it was most likely built in 1901. The decorations were inspired by the project of the painter Luigi Agretti. The entrance on Corso Cavour is embellished with two female figures coming out of the walls in a vortex of freshness. The entrance hall welcomes the visitor on the original grit floor with the word “Salve” (“Hello”) and the initials of the commissioner, Luigi Maggiani. The walls still bear the original wrought iron grating that used to be the building caretaker’s accommodation. Also the internal partition in carved wood with floral decorations by the Ciani firm is an original piece. The building was the first one to be equipped with an elevator and it was installed in 1906.