Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte

Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, also known as Villa Reale, is one of the architectural gems of Milan. Located on via Palestro, the villa is an extraordinary example of Lombard neoclassicism, designed by the Austrian architect Leopoldo Pollack for Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso. Construction began in 1790 and was completed in 1796, during a period of intense political and social changes that deeply influenced its history and purpose. The entrance to the villa is majestic, with a tree-lined avenue leading to the main facade, adorned with an elegant portico with Ionic columns. This architectural detail recalls the Palladian villas of the Veneto region, with a strong emphasis on the order and symmetry typical of neoclassicism. The English garden surrounding the villa, designed by Pollack in collaboration with Giuseppe Zanoia, extends over a vast area, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city. The interiors of the villa are a tribute to the magnificence and aesthetic taste of the time. The noble floor houses salons decorated with frescoes, golden stuccoes, and sumptuous furnishings. The ballroom, with its frescoed ceiling and crystal chandeliers, is one of the most spectacular rooms, designed to impress guests with its grandeur. The reception rooms, each with its own decorative style, reflect the eclectic and refined taste of Count Belgiojoso, who commissioned works of art and furnishings from the best artists and craftsmen of the time. During the Napoleonic occupation, the villa became the residence of Eugenio di Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy and stepson of Napoleon Bonaparte. This period marked a significant transformation for the villa, which became a political and cultural center of great importance. Beauharnais made changes to the interiors to adapt them to the needs of the Napoleonic court, making the villa one of the main places of representation of imperial power in Italy. An interesting anecdote concerns the use of the villa during the Napoleonic period: it seems that Napoleon himself stayed here during his visits to Milan, using the villa as his official residence. This connection with Napoleon has given the villa an aura of prestige that continues to this day. After the fall of Napoleon, the villa passed through various hands, always maintaining its status as a prestigious residence. In the 19th century, it became the property of the princes of Belgiojoso, who continued to maintain and enrich the interiors with works of art and precious furnishings. With the Unification of Italy, the villa was acquired by the Italian State and later by the Municipality of Milan, which transformed it into a cultural center. Today, Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte is home to the Gallery of Modern Art (GAM), one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in Italy. The GAM boasts works by Italian and international artists, including Antonio Canova, Francesco Hayez, Giovanni Segantini, Medardo Rosso, Umberto Boccioni, and Giorgio de Chirico. The collection ranges from neoclassicism to futurism, offering visitors a journey through the major artistic currents of the last two centuries. The villa’s garden, with its shaded paths, neoclassical statues, and artificial lakes, is an ideal place to stroll and relax. It is a perfect example of an English garden, with a design that emphasizes natural harmony and scenic beauty. The garden is open to the public and offers a green space in the heart of Milan, frequented by both tourists and locals.