Palazzo Colonna de Robertis in Bari

A gem of eclectic architecture

Built in the late 19th century, Colonna-De Robertis Palace is a perfect example of eclecticism, an architectural style that mixes elements from a wide range of artistic movements, even those distant in time and space.

A Bari l’esempio più noto di questo gusto è senza dubbio Palazzo Fizzarotti, ma nel rione Libertà – che deve il suo nome proprio allo stile Liberty in voga in quegli anni – questo palazzo che si affaccia su via Crisanzio merita la stessa attenzione. La facciata si distingue subito nel tessuto urbano: una sequenza di colonne con capitelli corinzi scandisce il prospetto ed esalta cornici ornate di motivi floreali, in un dialogo continuo tra classicismo e suggestioni art nouveau.

Once through the threshold, a long entrance hall leads to a hexagonal inner courtyard. Here, the entrances and windows of the apartments open onto elegant mullioned windows, a medieval feature reinterpreted in the early 20th-century style. Light filters in from above through a skylight, flooding the atrium and highlighting the decorative elements: floral motifs, children and angelic figures. Completely restored, the building has preserved the richness of its decorations and the solidity of its structure intact.

Interesting fact: Aldo Moro’s first law firm was also located within these walls. Some scenes from the film Percoco were also shot here because, in addition to the impressive visual impact, according to the director, one of the oldest tenants was actually a direct acquaintance of Franco Percoco.

The photos are by Giacomo Pepe.