Royal Villa of Milan

The Royal Villa of Milan, also known as Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, is one of the jewels of Milanese neoclassicism. Built between 1790 and 1796 according to the design of architect Leopoldo Pollack, it was commissioned by Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, advisor to the Austrian emperor, as a place of retreat at the end of his diplomatic and military career. Pollack, a student of Giuseppe Piermarini, conceived a U-shaped structure with a central body and two side wings enclosing the courtyard. The main facade of the villa overlooks an English-style park, also designed by Pollack, characterized by an asymmetrical layout, lakes, bridges, and a temple. This garden, now known as the Indro Montanelli Gardens, is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Milan and reflects the canons of 18th-century romantic landscaping. The interior of the villa is a masterpiece of neoclassical elegance. On the ground floor, the monumental atrium features a sober decoration with Doric columns and semicolumns, highlighting sculptures such as “Achille ferito” by Innocenzo Fraccaroli. The noble floor, once the residence of Napoleon and later of Viceroy Eugenio di Beauharnais, houses magnificent frescoes by Andrea Appiani, including the famous “Parnaso”. This room, originally used as a dining room, is adorned with a fresco depicting Apollo and the Muses on Mount Parnassus, a scene of Renaissance influence. After Napoleon’s fall, the villa became the property of the Austrian viceroys, hosting illustrious figures such as Marshal Josef Radetzky. During the Austrian period, the villa was the scene of the signing of the Peace of Milan in 1849, which marked the city’s surrender to Austria. In 1920, the villa was purchased by the Municipality of Milan and designated as the seat of the Civic Gallery of Modern Art, inaugurated in 1921. This institution now houses a vast collection of artworks ranging from neoclassicism to romanticism, enriched by important donations such as those of Carlo Grassi and Giuseppe Vismara. Next to the villa, in 1951, the Pavilion of Contemporary Art (PAC) was built, designed by Ignazio Gardella. This exhibition space, dedicated to temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, has hosted shows by internationally renowned artists. Badly damaged by a terrorist attack in 1993, the PAC was subsequently restored and continues to be a vital center for contemporary art in Milan. The history of the Royal Villa is rich in events and transformations that reflect the political and social events of Milan. From a noble residence to the seat of the Napoleonic government, to becoming an important cultural center, the villa is a symbol of the city’s ability to reinvent itself and enhance its artistic heritage. Every corner of the villa tells a story, from the refined stuccoes of Albertolli to the wooden floors of Maggiolini, from the interior decorations to the romantic landscape of the garden. A visit to the Royal Villa is an opportunity to immerse oneself in history and art, discovering the wonders of an era that has left an indelible mark on Milanese culture and architecture.