Casa della Meridiana

Constructed between 1933 and 1935, this unique building is the work of Giuseppe Gualandi. Modern architecture’s arbiters of taste were scornful of buildings that reprised art deco embellishments, at the time considered passé. But its designer declared in the “Avvenire d'Italia” newspaper that “the interior of the building takes no lessons from today’s modern structures” (31/12/1936). The inscription at the top of the façade augurs that the sundial placed underneath may mark the happy passage of time for the citizens. Considering that Gualandi mainly designed sacred architecture and institutes for the blind, this charming building, positioned right between the art galleries and the universities, is a uniquely successful endeavour.