Nestled in the heart of Lissone, Villa Reati, also known as Villa Baldironi Paleari Reati, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry and architectural elegance of the Brianza region in Lombardy. This splendid villa, located at Via Fiume 3, offers a fascinating journey through centuries of history, having witnessed the ebb and flow of several illustrious families who have called it home.
The story of Villa Reati begins in the mid-15th century when it was part of a larger estate. Over the centuries, it has been transformed and adapted to reflect the tastes and needs of its various owners. The Baldironi family were the first known proprietors, holding the villa from 1450 until 1897. The Paleari family then took over, owning it until 1940, followed by the Reati family, who lent their name to the villa and retained ownership until 1981.
The villa's history is closely intertwined with the fortunes of these families. Originally, the estate included not only the main residential area but also a family chapel. This chapel was later incorporated into the oratory dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which now serves as the headquarters of the Italian Association of Combatants and Veterans.
Villa Reati has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. The original structure was surrounded by a vast park, which has since been lost to urban development. The villa's main entrance, once located on Via Fiume, was moved to Piazza Garibaldi by the Paleari family, who also added several service rooms and gave the villa a more classical appearance.
In 1940, the Reati family made significant changes to the villa's interior, including the installation of a new Art Nouveau staircase and the construction of a workshop in the courtyard. Unfortunately, these changes caused considerable damage to the villa's frescoes. The ground floor was repurposed for industrial use, while the first floor was divided into two apartments.
In 1981, the villa was acquired by the municipal administration, which initiated a series of restoration projects. The workshop was demolished, and the villa's roof was repaired in 1986. Between 1997 and 2001, a comprehensive conservation effort restored the frescoes and the ground floor rooms, allowing the public to once again appreciate their original splendor. Further restoration of the first floor was completed in early 2007, revealing beautiful frescoed cornices and eliminating previous modifications.
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Today, Villa Reati is a two-story building covering a total area of 650 square meters. The ground floor is home to several fully frescoed rooms, each with its unique theme and artistic style. The Sala delle Battaglie features mythological scenes of war, while the Sala dei Busti is adorned with paintings of Roman busts. The Sala delle Colonne creates an optical illusion with painted columns that appear to support the ceiling beams, and the Sala Marina showcases mythological sea scenes. The atrium and the Art Nouveau staircase add to the villa's charm and elegance.
The first floor mirrors the layout of the ground floor, with a series of rooms that were carefully restored to reveal intricate floral frescoes. A small room halfway up the staircase once provided access to a balcony in the chapel, a private retreat for the villa's owners. A small staircase on the ground floor leads to an underground cellar, adding to the villa's historical intrigue.
The chapel, now the headquarters of the Italian Association of Combatants and Veterans, has undergone significant changes over the years. A false ceiling divides the chapel just below the cornice of the vault, obscuring the original decorations on the ground floor. The first-floor decorations have suffered considerable damage, particularly the stuccoes, but they still offer a glimpse into the chapel's former grandeur.
Villa Reati remains under municipal ownership, with hopes of integrating it into a local tourism system that highlights the artistic and historical heritage of the Brianza region. Currently, the villa is open to the public only on special occasions, such as the Ville Aperte in Brianza cultural event held annually in late September. The villa also serves as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies, adding to its role as a cherished community landmark.
While the exact date of the villa's construction and the identity of its architect remain uncertain, it is believed to have 16th-century origins. This hypothesis is supported by structural and aesthetic elements, including a bell-shaped pediment on the villa's roof, which is typical of the period. Further investigations into the villa's foundations and masonry could provide more precise dating.
The villa's interior frescoes, likely attributed to Giovanni Ghisolfi of the Venetian school, are a highlight of its artistic legacy. These frescoes create stunning architectural illusions with painted marble columns and intricate scenes framed by festoons and putti. The Sala Marina is particularly noteworthy for its depiction of classical landscapes and ruins, adding to the villa's historical and artistic significance.
Protected by the Superintendency for its considerable historical, artistic, and documentary value, Villa Reati stands as a beacon of Lissone's rich cultural heritage. Its walls tell the stories of the families who lived there and the artisans who adorned its rooms with masterful frescoes, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Brianza region.
In conclusion, Villa Reati is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the architectural and artistic evolution of the Brianza region. Its restored frescoes and elegant rooms offer a window into the past, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of this remarkable villa.
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