A refined example of Neo-classical interiors,  Palazzo Cattaneo Ala Ponzone is the result of the renovation wished by Marquis Antonio of the former palace, designed by his ancestor Francesco; it incorporated two properties, the larger part acquired from the Ariberti Family situated Via Oscasali and the Sforza Family district, today Via Milazzo.

Formerly occupied by the horse stalls, only the facade of that wing remained after 1967. The architecture was the work of Faustino Rodi, the most capable and up to date architect in the years between the 17th and 18th centuries. Rodi trained in Parma and was a fervent student of Simone Cantoni.

This great architect from Ticino, active in Genoa and Milan, was Rodi's source of inspiration bringing new trends and the latest architecture examples from France.

The aristocrat Marquis Cattaneo, follower of the "Enlightenment" movement ("Illuminismo"), collector of art as well as music lover, intended giving an adequate home to his collection of paintings and musical instruments with the works that took place from 1780 to the first decennial of the 1800s. The Philharmonic Academy also held its meetings at Palazzo Cattaneo.

Founded in 1735, the Philharmonic Academy held its meetings in the "Oval Room" characterized - together with "Sala di Diana" -- by the natural light coming in through the skylights that are surrounded by Cariatids, clearly inspired by Cantoni's work.

The facade overlooking the garden with the "Galleria Rossa", the "Sala d'Armi" and the "Sala Verde", was built after 1802; the facade on Via Oscasali, so discreet that no one can suspect of the refined interiors, was built in 1869. In that wing is located "Il Salone dell'Albero", probably renovated by the heirs of Cattaneo, the Ala Ponzone Family. A transformation - at times desinvolt and at times mimetic - that gave the Palace its actual aspect.

Informazioni:
Segreteria Palazzo Cattaneo
Via Oscasali 3 - 26100 Cremona
Tel: 06-8078357

Fax: 06-8079031     E-mail: info@palazzocattaneo.com