Palazzo Criscuoli is an Art Deco palazzo in Barletta, Puglia, designed by engineer Arturo Boccassini and constructed between 1932 and 1934 for Dr. Criscuoli, a surgeon. The building occupies approximately 1,800 square metres and presents three façades: one facing Piazza dei Caduti in Guerra, another on Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, and a third on Via Geremia di Scanno.
The palazzo’s principal façade is distinctly Art Deco in character, featuring ornamental carvings that vary across its three storeys. Decorative motifs include bees and wheat sheaves, iconography connected to labour symbolism. The ground and first floors are configured as offices, while the second floor contains private apartments. Until 1950, two Liberty-style spires crowned the roofline; these were removed for structural reasons. Originally two Liberty-style spires stood atop the building; these were removed in 1950 due to stability concerns. The interior spaces have been substantially altered over time and retain minimal original furnishings, though the building houses various artworks including a gilded wooden sculpture.
About Arturo Boccassini
Arturo Boccassini (1887–1952) was one of Puglia’s most prolific twentieth-century engineers. Graduating in 1912, he worked initially for Fiat in Turin and Rome before establishing his professional practice in Barletta. His architectural output ranged from Art Deco to Rationalism, encompassing public buildings, bank and military structures, public housing, and monumental works. Among his principal commissions were the Teatro Dilillo, the Banca d’Italia headquarters in Barletta (1936–1938), and extensive public-housing schemes.
Details
- Creator: Arturo Boccassini, engineer
- Construction dates: 1932–1934
- Location: Barletta, province of Barletta Andria Trani, Puglia
- Architectural style: Art Deco
- Current use: Offices (ground and first floors), private apartments (second floor)
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Palazzo Criscuoli?
Engineer Arturo Boccassini, a prominent Puglian architect, designed the palazzo for Dr. Criscuoli, a surgeon.
What architectural style does the building display?
The palazzo exemplifies Art Deco design, with ornamental carvings and decorative motifs varying across its three storeys, including bees and wheat sheaves.
What happened to the spires that originally crowned the building?
Two Liberty-style spires stood atop the palazzo until 1950, when they were removed due to structural concerns.
