Villa Tittoni Traversi

Villa Tittoni Traversi, nestled in the charming town of Desio, Italy, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture and a treasure trove of history. This splendid villa, originally conceived as a country residence for the Cusani family, has evolved through centuries to become a cultural landmark. Its grandeur and elegance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Lombardy region.

The Origins and Early History

The origins of Villa Tittoni Traversi date back to the 16th century when it served as a country villa for the Counts of Rho. In 1651, the property was acquired by the Marquis Ottavio Cusani, who envisioned it as a grand vacation residence. The Cusani family, already prominent in Milan, sought to expand the villa to reflect their social standing. By the late 17th and early 18th centuries, they had acquired several nearby properties, setting the stage for the villa's transformation.

The Neoclassical Transformation by Giuseppe Piermarini

The major transformation of the villa began in 1774 when the renowned architect Giuseppe Piermarini was commissioned to design a new structure. Piermarini, known for his neoclassical style, brought a sense of compositional balance to the villa. His design included a symmetrical arrangement of windows and a grand façade. By 1779, the façade facing Desio was completed, and work on the gardens commenced under the direction of Antonio Villoresi and architect Giuseppe Zanoia, who added features like the circular temple of Hymen and decorative grottoes.

Ferdinando Cusani, a key figure in the villa's development, enriched the property with ancient lapidary, statues, and precious marbles, some of which are now housed in the civic museums of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan. The villa's opulence was further highlighted in 1785 when it hosted the King and Queen of Naples, who visited with a grand entourage, including the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and his consort.

The 19th Century and Pelagio Palagi's Influence

Following Ferdinando Cusani's death in 1805, his son Luigi inherited the villa. However, due to financial difficulties, Luigi sold the property to the wealthy lawyer Giovanni Traversi in 1817. The Traversi family initiated significant renovations in 1835 under the direction of architect Pelagio Palagi. Palagi's work included the creation of monumental façades with a colonnade and a tympanum toward the park. He preserved the central residential core while extending the lateral wings, enhancing the villa's grandeur. Palagi also repurposed the adjacent former Franciscan convent as a museum and constructed the neo-Gothic tower inspired by the bell tower of the Abbey of Chiaravalle.

20th Century and the Tittoni Era

In 1900, the villa passed to Tommaso Tittoni, Giovanni Traversi's son-in-law and a prominent political figure who later became President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tittoni commissioned architect Luca Beltrami to complete the grand staircase leading to the upper floors. Under Tittoni's ownership, the villa became a hub of diplomatic activity, hosting numerous conferences and visits from Italian royalty and statesmen.

From War to Modern Times

During World War II, the villa served as the headquarters for the 3rd Fighter Group Francesco Baracca of the National Republican Air Force. After the war, it was donated to the Xaverian Missionary Institute of Parma and used as a seminary. This period saw the villa fall into disrepair. In 1948, the park was sold off to private owners, and many ancient trees were felled for timber. The Desio municipality purchased the park in 1952, converting it into a public space.

In 1975, the villa itself was acquired by the municipality of Desio. It now houses the local library and a museum dedicated to the Milanese artist Giuseppe Scalvini. Despite suffering a devastating fire in 1993, which destroyed the main hall, the villa has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its historical and architectural significance. The park is maintained by the Association Regis, a network of historic gardens based in Cinisello Balsamo.

Since 2012, the villa's park has hosted the Parco Tittoni festival, a summer event featuring music, cinema, and theater. This festival has attracted national and international artists, breathing new life into the historic estate.

The Architectural Splendor

Villa Tittoni Traversi's architectural layout follows the U-shaped plan typical of 18th-century villas of delight. The main building is flanked by lower wings, creating a grand courtyard. The courtyard is enclosed by an elaborate wrought-iron gate adorned with statues, leading to a public square. The villa's exterior is characterized by its grand columns, Corinthian pilasters, and decorative statues atop the roofline. The rear façade features a central section with arches, columns, and a triangular pediment adorned with classical allegorical figures, embodying the neoclassical style.

The Eclectic Interiors

The villa's interiors, primarily redesigned in the 19th century by Pelagio Palagi, showcase an eclectic mix of styles, including neoclassical, neo-Gothic, Baroque, and Moorish influences. The Neo-Gothic Room stands out with its whimsical wooden sculptures, including mice figures along the walls, and a ceiling fresco depicting the four seasons with the god Pan at the center. The mosaic floor features hunting scenes and quotes from Ovid on country life. The room originally served as the family's dining room and once housed stained glass windows by Giuseppe Bertini, now preserved at the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan.

The Moorish Room, designed by sculptor Sidoli, is entirely crafted from intricately carved wood and features an Arabic inscription on the ceiling. Though the inscription is nonsensical, it adds to the exotic ambiance of the room.

Villa Tittoni Traversi is more than just a historical monument; it is a testament to the architectural and cultural evolution of Lombardy. Its walls and gardens echo the stories of centuries past, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you're drawn by its architectural beauty, historical significance, or cultural events, Villa Tittoni Traversi promises a captivating journey through time.