Villa Visconti d'Aragona

Villa Visconti d'Aragona, nestled in the heart of Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, is a captivating historical gem that offers a delightful journey through time. This noble villa, dating back to the 16th century, is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. As you step into this magnificent estate, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur, where history and art intertwine seamlessly.

The History of Villa Visconti d'Aragona

The origins of Villa Visconti d'Aragona are shrouded in mystery, with no precise records indicating its exact date of construction. However, historical documents from 1532 mention the presence of a manor house with a courtyard, garden, and well on the site where the villa now stands. Over the centuries, the villa changed hands numerous times, each owner leaving their mark on its structure and character.

In 1601, the villa came into the possession of the Selvini family, followed by the Malombra family, and in 1654, it was acquired by Count Carlo di Belgiojoso. The count transformed the villa into a country residence and agricultural estate, complete with a silk worm farm and a wine press. The mid-17th century saw the villa pass to the Parravicini family, marking the beginning of its cultural renaissance.

Giovanni Antonio Parravicini, a prominent figure of the time, enriched the villa's interiors with exquisite frescoes and established an art gallery. An inventory from 1721 reveals that the gallery housed paintings depicting landscapes, still lifes, and genre scenes by renowned Flemish, Dutch, and Italian artists, including Cesare Da Sesto, Guglielmo il Borgognone, and Caravaggio. Unfortunately, the Parravicini art collection was eventually dispersed and sold to cover the debts of subsequent owners.

In the 18th century, the villa became the property of the Visconti d'Aragona family, and in the following century, it passed to the Visconti-Borromeo and then the Ottolino-Visconti families, before returning to the Visconti d'Aragona. In 1873, the villa was sold to the De Ponti family, who divided it into three main sections: a rental property, a family residence, and a silk mill, one of the first in Sesto San Giovanni, heralding the town's industrialization.

In 1964, the Villa Visconti d'Aragona De Ponti was purchased by the Municipality of Sesto San Giovanni. A major restoration project, led by architect Amedeo Bellini in 1980, rescued the villa from a state of disrepair. The interiors were renovated to accommodate the weight of the volumes for the Central Library, and the frescoes were carefully removed, restored, and reinstalled on new supports.

Exploring Villa Visconti d'Aragona

Today, Villa Visconti d'Aragona stands as a vibrant cultural hub, housing the Central Library, the National Civic Photographic Archive Tranquillo Casiraghi, and the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Sesto San Giovanni. As you enter through the wrought-iron gate, you are greeted by a charming portico with Doric columns, leading into a picturesque courtyard.

On the left, the courtyard opens up to a low building known as the teatrino, which was once a carriage house and storage area. Straight ahead, aligned with the access alley rather than the center of the courtyard, is the open portico of the ancient manor house. To the right, a small staircase under the portico leads to the upper floors. The courtyard is enclosed on all four sides, creating an intimate and serene atmosphere.

The villa's interiors are a treasure trove of artistic and historical wonders. The ground floor features a grand hall and three smaller rooms, while the first floor boasts nine rooms and a gallery of representation above the portico. The gallery's frescoes, commissioned for the wedding of Giovanni Antonio Parravicini and Francesca Castiglioni in 1680, are particularly noteworthy. These frescoes depict the coats of arms of the newlyweds, the swan of the Parravicini family, and the lion of the Castiglioni family.

Other frescoes in the villa represent allegorical figures such as Liberality or Lust, holding a die and gold coins; Wisdom, with an oil lamp and book; Wealth, with a crown and scepter; and Fortitude or War, armed with a lance and shield. The frescoes also feature putti, floral decorations, landscapes, and mythological figures, attributed to Agostino Santagostino for their stylistic similarities to the allegorical cycle in Villa Casati Stampa di Balsamo.

The Gardens and Surroundings

The villa's garden, much of which has been transformed into a public park, is home to several intriguing marble remnants, including a Roman-era column and a small early Christian baptismal font. The origins of these artifacts remain a mystery. The garden also once featured a 17th-century well with a pulley system, dating back to the villa's construction period.

During the summer months, the villa's courtyard is transformed into an open-air venue for various performances and events, adding to its vibrant cultural life. Additionally, one wing of the building houses the CESPI (Center for International Studies), further cementing the villa's role as a center of learning and cultural exchange.

In conclusion, Villa Visconti d'Aragona is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Sesto San Giovanni. Its walls echo with stories of noble families, artistic endeavors, and community spirit, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you are exploring its beautifully frescoed interiors or enjoying a leisurely stroll through its gardens, Villa Visconti d'Aragona offers a captivating glimpse into the past, while continuing to play a vital role in the cultural life of the region.