When I am in Milan I always go to Via degli Omenoni, the street of the big men, to visit the Casa degli Omenoni. The house was built in 1565. The sculptures that decorate the house, and give it its name, are by Antonio Abandio. Because they are so old, many of the faces are worn away.
The house was built for the sculptor Leone Leoni. It is a very impressive building. The sign over the door says 1722, perhaps it had a bit of a makeover then.
Casa degli Omenoni
not bad for his age
the lion has not fared as well
he looks quite stern
this one looks worried - or cold
he looks a bit timid
this one just looks sad
I think the door knocker is a more recent addition
A fellow blogger, The Daily Cure, who lives in Milan, is also delighted by this house. Click here and look for the post called “Here’s looking at you kid” to have a look at her impressions of the House of the Big Men. Stop by next time you are in Milan, you won’t be disappointed. It is right in the centre of town and not too difficult to find. I came upon it by accident the first time, but now make a point of visiting each time I go to Milan.
How interesting! I need to check this when I will be next time in Milan…
By: Minna on February 19, 2011
at 2:45 pm
You should go to see the house. Idon’t know if you can go inside, I just look from the street.
By: bagnidilucca on February 19, 2011
at 4:15 pm
Is it near the Duomo? I definitely missed this the last time I was there!
By: James on February 19, 2011
at 4:51 pm
The street is not far from the Duomo. Go from the Duomo through the Galleria and it is very close.
By: bagnidilucca on February 19, 2011
at 5:41 pm
Fascinating – look at how much personality they still have after all these years!
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on February 19, 2011
at 8:40 pm
They are amazing aren’t they?
By: bagnidilucca on February 19, 2011
at 8:42 pm
I like the door knocker. Door bells just aren’t the same are they?
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on February 20, 2011
at 8:35 am
I love the door knockers here.
By: bagnidilucca on February 20, 2011
at 9:33 am
The expression on the “timid” statue’s face is quite remarkable and different from the usual kind of statue features!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on February 20, 2011
at 12:16 pm
I wonder who they were supposed to be / what the were supposed to be about – fascinating!
By: Journey Photographic on February 20, 2011
at 12:56 pm
I tried to find a bit more information about the sculptures, but didn’t get far. If anyone knows something, perhaps they could let us know.
By: bagnidilucca on February 20, 2011
at 5:05 pm
It is a very beautiful building… I love when there are faces or sculptures on buildings, it gives them some identity and character…
By: Fragolina on February 21, 2011
at 10:07 am
Thank you! Thank you! Your coverage is much more in depth than mine, so will add a link by here from that post!
By: Charlotte on February 25, 2011
at 10:11 am
[…] to Ann Moore for correcting my spelling! And please see this blog for more information and a closer look at the “Big Men” of […]
By: Here’s looking at you, kid | The Daily Cure on February 25, 2011
at 10:15 am