Milano, Palazzo dei Giureconsulti

The building was erected in 1562, based on the design by V. Seregni (1504-1594) and commissioned by Pope Pio IV from Milan, but the upper floor was only completed in the 17th century. In the 1500's it was the seat of the "Collegio dei Giureconsulti", which prepared youngsters for the highest magistracy positions held in the city; when the Collegio closed down in 1797, the building became the new "Ufficio di Conciliazione". Later, in 1809, the Chamber of Commerce bought the hall located on the ground floor transforming it in to the seat of the Stock Exchange offices. The "Cassa di Risparmio" was later added to this hall. In 1864 the State donated this building to the City administration that moved its offices there. At the beginning of this century, the Chamber of Commerce bought the entire building, which became its seat.
The façade has a portico made with Tuscan double columns that support an upper level marked by windows flanked by elegant pilasters. With respect to the street level, the portico acts as a loggia and the gables of the arches are richly adorned with sculptures. At the centre of the momumenal façade, there is the ancient Torre del Comune (City Tower), erected by Napo Torriani in 1272 which was later camouflaged in the Baroque style and provided with a clock in the middle (1601). In the 1800's, the tower was covered by a hybrid grey colouring and a statue of St. Ambrogio, by Scorzini, was placed in one if its niches. The marble stairway is quite impressive with its three ramps having a severe aspect. The piano nobile includes the Council Hall, which contains a quadrilobate medallion enclosing a fresco by A. Besozzi. The "Reception Hall" and that "of the library", both located on the top floor, were severely damaged during the war and therefore have been decorated by contemporary artists.