Aug 4, 2025

La Casa con l'Orecchio Milan

Whisper your wish

""La Casa con l'Orecchio" in Milan is literally a house with an ear. It was made by an art-nouveau artist, experimenting in the '20s with interphones..."

The bigger a city is, the more little stories it's hiding among its roads and buildings. I love to disclose these tales. They are footnotes in a book, Milan is full of these and "Casa con l'Orecchio" (house with the ear) is a good example.

I remember I discovered this house while looking for a more famous one named "Villa Invernizzi", which is not far from this one and equally interesting, should you be in the neighborhood (check the Villa Invernizzi article). The building is designed in liberty style around the 20s by artist Andreani, who came from Mantova. The building owes its name to an original interphone with the shape of a human ear, placed on one side of the front door. The idea behind that is by Adolfo Wildt, a well known art-nouveau artist, experimenting with the new technology of interphone in an original way. 

Despite the fact that it is no longer in working order, this "ear" has never stopped "listening". Legend says that the wishes of passersby will be realized, if gently whispered into the ear. When I did it, it probably had otitis. Perhaps the Italian singer Eugene Kelly was more lucky, it could explain why he wanted to use it as the cover of his album "Acoustic".

I suggest to those intrigued by this story that they should also not miss a visit to Villa Necchi Campiglio (via Mozart 14), historical building of the '30s and property of "FAI", and the aforementioned Villa Invernizzi.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

via serbelloni 10

no-price

find your way in Milan, download our app.

Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Church Sant'Ambrogio

Back in the past

The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Sep 16, 2025

Mitú Restaurant

The Spirit of Colombia

Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Carmen

Condeescu

Sep 16, 2025

Viro Steak

Meat Restaurant

At Viro Steak in Porta Venezia, expect a sultry atmosphere, a dry-aging chamber on display, fair prices, and cuts sold by the kilo. Prepare for a feast!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Il Santo

Lunch on the go

Fuel your Porta Nuova stroll with focaccia — quick, local, and delicious. A favorite lunch stop with outdoor tables and top-quality Italian flavors.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Museum & Library

The Ambrosiana near San Sepolcro is one of Europe’s oldest libraries, home to da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, Raphael’s School of Athens, and many more treasures.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

I Mirador

Rooftop Bar

I Mirador offers breathtaking views of Milan from Navigli. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, excellent cocktails, and make this rooftop a place to remember!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Gelateria Gelart

Ice cream shop

Gelart serves creamy, dreamy gelato with classic & seasonal flavors. Do yourself a favor and try their incredible seasonal flavors!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Parco Nord

Milan's green hub

Enjoy Milan's main green escape, Parco Nord, with its lakes, forests and fields to bike, stroll, relax, or catch weekend markets, events & hidden spots.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Teatro alla Scala

Opera & Museum

Step into Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and adore its historic glamour, live performances, backstage stories, and a timeless magic that stays with you forever.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Orto Botanico di Brera

Hidden Park

Escape Milan’s bustle at Orto Botanico! Its hidden paths, leafy shade, and quiet corners perfect for slowing down, daydreaming, and finding calm.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Galleria Campari

Art Gallery

Curious about art, design, and iconic aperitivo history? Discover Galleria Campari, a vibrant museum full of creativity, style, and surprises!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

BAM Park

Library of Trees

Discover BAM in Porta Nuova, the “library of trees” with its 22 circular gardens. Perfect for relaxing, playing, exercising, or enjoying city view!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Heading to Milan?

195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

195 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
28
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters