Villa Medolago-Attanasio, nestled in the serene Ceresolo district of Limbiate in the Province of Monza and Brianza, is a captivating 18th-century villa that whispers tales of grandeur, decline, and potential rebirth. Originally commissioned by the illustrious Molinari family, prominent merchants in Milan, this villa stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and social aspirations of its era.
The story of Villa Medolago-Attanasio begins with Giuseppe Antonio Bianchi, a renowned architect in Lombardy. Bianchi was tasked with transforming a cluster of pre-existing buildings into a magnificent U-shaped villa, a design emblematic of Milanese villas of the time. The villa features two symmetrical wings, each with two floors, and a central body crowned with a three-arched portico, rising to three floors. At the pinnacle of the central facade, two statues of eagles perched on mill wheels proudly display the Molinari family crest, a symbol of their power and influence.
Over the years, the villa changed hands from the Molinari family to the Medolago family, and eventually to the Rasini family. Each transition marked a new chapter in the villa's history, reflecting the changing fortunes and tastes of its owners. However, the villa's fortunes took a downturn after World War II, when it was closed and abandoned.
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In the 1990s, there was a glimmer of hope for Villa Medolago-Attanasio. Plans were made to restore the villa and repurpose it as the municipal headquarters. Unfortunately, these plans did not come to fruition. In 2008, the villa was acquired by Armando Verdiglione and his wife Cristina, who envisioned transforming it into a luxury hotel. However, this dream was also short-lived. In 2014, the villa was seized and subsequently confiscated due to Verdiglione's legal troubles, including tax evasion and embezzlement.
The villa faced another setback on January 6, 2017, when a devastating fire broke out in the right wing of the roof. The blaze quickly spread, consuming a significant portion of the roof, wooden floors, and some valuable architectural elements. Only the perimeter walls remained intact, a haunting reminder of the villa's former glory.
Despite these challenges, hope for the villa's revival persists. In 2019, the municipality of Limbiate attempted to purchase the villa at auction for 780,000 euros, but the bid was unsuccessful. In 2020, a new appraisal valued the property at over 1.4 million euros, and the municipality made a revised offer of 480,000 euros. Finally, in February 2021, the municipality succeeded in acquiring the villa and its expansive park, a green oasis spanning nearly 80,000 square meters.
The municipality, in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano, has ambitious plans for the villa's restoration and the future of the surrounding area. One of the key projects involves merging the park of Villa Mella with that of Villa Medolago, creating an even larger green space for the community to enjoy.
In a poignant tribute to Luca Attanasio, a Limbiate native and ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo who was tragically killed in service, the villa has been renamed Villa Medolago-Attanasio. This renaming honors his memory and underscores the villa's new chapter as a symbol of hope and renewal.
While the villa awaits its full restoration, visitors can still appreciate its historical significance and the beauty of its surroundings. The park offers a tranquil escape, with its lush greenery providing a stark contrast to the villa's weathered facade. As you wander through the grounds, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, from the bustling activities of the Molinari family to the grand visions of its later owners.
Villa Medolago-Attanasio is not just a relic of the past; it is a beacon of potential. With the municipality's commitment to its restoration and the community's support, this historic villa is poised to reclaim its place as a cherished landmark in Limbiate. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of Italy's cultural heritage, a visit to Villa Medolago-Attanasio promises to be a memorable experience.
In conclusion, Villa Medolago-Attanasio stands as a testament to the resilience of history and the enduring spirit of restoration. Its walls, though scarred by time and tragedy, hold the promise of a brighter future. As plans for its revival take shape, the villa is set to become a vibrant part of Limbiate's cultural landscape, a place where the past and future converge in a harmonious blend of beauty and history.
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