Casa del Fascio (Como)

The former Casa del Fascio of Como (Italian pronunciation: [ˈkaːza del ˈfaʃʃo]), also called the Palazzo Terragni, is a building located in Como, northern Italy. It has been designed by the Italian rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni.[1]

Palazzo Terragni
Main façade overlooking Piazza del Popolo (south-west)
Como Location in Lombardy
Former names	Casa del Fascio
General information
Architectural style	Rationalist
Address	Piazza del Popolo, 4
Town or city	Como
Country	Italy
Coordinates	45.812363°N 9.086022°E / 45.812363; 9.086022
Construction started	1932
Completed	1936
Technical details
Size	1,101 square metres (11,850 sq ft) floor area
Design and construction
Architect	Giuseppe Terragni
Designations	Head office of the provincial command of Guardia di Finanza

Started in 1932 and completed in 1936 under the regime of Benito Mussolini as the seat of the local branch of the National Fascist Party, a Casa del Fascio, this municipal administration building was originally constructed with a primary view of functioning as an elegant "set piece" for mass Fascist rallies. Conceptualized as a classical palazzo centered on a glass atrium, it was frescoed with abstract paintings (since destroyed) by the artist Mario Radice and the original project boasted an innovative changing facade illumination. It is cited as an exemplary manifestation of the International style of architecture.[2]

Since 1957, the building has housed the provincial headquarters of the Guardia di Finanza police force.[3] In addition, it accommodates the small historical museum of the Guardia di Finanza 6th legion.