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Casa Bossi

Tour of a derelict neoclassical-style residence

By Georgios Vasilopoulos

May 8^th, 2021

A photo tour of Casa Bossi in Novara, Italy taken on a snowy day in early March 2018. The original structure, located in the district then known as Sant’Agata, was built in the 18th century. In 1857, Coriscan nobleman Luigi Desanti purchased it from Marquess Amalia Coconito di Montiglio and commissioned Piemontese architect Alessandro Antonelli to restore and expand the building, completing the facade in 1859. By 1865, the neighbouring buildings had been demolished and works were completed on the side facade, allowing for the main entrance to open to Via Pier Lombardo.

In the same year, Luigi Desanti died, and his three daughters Carlotta Talenti, Luigia Penazzo and Bianca Merialdi inherited the property. In 1880, they sold the property to Cavaliere Carlo Bossi, after whom the building is named. In 1927, Carlo Bossi died, leaving the building to his son Ettore and daughter Emma Bossi Acerbi Bertone, who added another building to the northern facade, connected to the rest of the structure with balconies.

When Ettore Bossi died in 1951, the building was acquired by the municipality and most of the furnishings were sold at auction. Over the years, the building deteriorated and, in 1995, the roof was reconstructed—during this time most of the remaining furniture and decorations were stolen by vandals and the entrances to the garden were closed off.

Considered one of the largest and most important examples of neoclassical architecture in the world, the building has gained monument status. Non-profit Comitato d'Amore Casa Bossi continues to raise funds with the goal of restoring Casa Bossi as a centre for cultural and creative industries.