C as a in I t al i a
The 20 most b e autiful vill as in It aly 2 nd e d itio n
www.casainitalia.com
© 2018. 2nd edition.
Edited by: Casa in Italia
Photography: Nicolas Mathéus and Michele Bianucci (Casa Olivi) Erik Bjørn (Villa dell’Orso, Villa Crotto) Abevisualab (Casa Winther, Trulli Angelo) Lorenzo Di Nozzi (Villa Orsi) Matteo Carassale (Cascina Monferrato) Texts: K. D. Jenning Graphic design: Walter Ospina Print and bound: Tórculo
i nd ex Lago Maggiore:
Villa Orsi
Lago di Como:
Villa Crotto
Piemonte:
Cascina Monferrato Casa Roccaverano Villa dell’Orso
08 12 16 18 20
Toscana:
Montevigna 24 Centolivi 26 La Corte Malgiacca 28 Chiodo 30 La Flora 32 Fontanelle 34 Lavacchio 36 La Sorgente 38 Damiano 40
Umbria:
Casa Bramasole Casa Winther
44 46
Le Marche:
Casa Olivi 50 Malatesta 52 Casa delle Marche 54
Puglia:
Trulli Angelo
58
pre sen t at i on After the success of our first book The 20 most beautiful villas in Italy, the team at Casa in Italia decided it was time for a second edition. We wanted to share with you both the stunning properties that have been added to our portfolio and our love of the country. Come and have a seat. This table is waiting for you under a hundred-year old tree, ready to give you a taste of the dolce vita...
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LAGO MAGGIORE
3 One of the largest lakes in Europe, Lago Maggiore is both Italian and Swiss. Its mild climate may have played a part in its original name. The luxuriant vegetation growing on its shores includes large bushes of verbena, which inspired people in medieval times to call the lake “Verbano”. In the words of Stendhal: “If you had a heart and a shirt, you would sell your shirt and visit Lago Maggiore”... 3 Stresa, a beloved holiday destination since the Simplon rail tunnel was opened, has retained its grandeur. The flamboyant hotels in baroque style take place of pride along the lake, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées the most magnificent. Ernest Hemingway stayed there while recovering from shrapnel wounds and the hotel figures in his book A Farewell to Arms. Stresa is the starting point for an excursion to the Mottarone Mountain or the Borromeo Islands. The town also has its own biscuit brand, the Margheritine di Stresa, named after Margherita of Savoy. 3 The Borromeo Islands are composed of Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori - the only one inhabited - and Isola Bella. The work of Charles Borromeo the 3rd, the Palace and its gardens are an amazing creation. It is a magical world filled with a profusion of palm trees and plants, a water theatre built on three levels, fountains, statues of gods and satyrs and decorations made of numerous shells and pebbles. Not to be missed.
3 Outdoor activities: Lagoni di Mercurago, a park not far from Arona with animals and small lakes. Mottarone Moutain, accessible by cable car from Stresa or by car, with fabulous views over Lago Maggiore and the Alps and an amusement park at the top, Alpyland. Santa Anna Gorge, at the end of the Cannobino River, offers rafting and kayaking. Lago Maggiore also has a zipline with spectacular sceneries. 3 Villas and castles: Villa Taranto, located in Verbania, has beautiful botanical gardens. Villa Pallovicino Park has both a botanical and a zoological garden. Rocca di Arona, an old fortress, is now a public park. Rocca d’Angera has a collection of over 300 frescoes and paintings in its Sala delle Maioliche and a Museum of Dolls and Toys. 3 Lago di Orta: Friedrich Nietzsche, Honoré de Balzac and Robert Browning all described the beauty of this lake, one of the best kept secrets of the region... It is said that its only island, Isola San Giulio, was once the lair of dragons. The large Benedictine monastery is close to the Piazza Motta, the main square on the water, and there is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica. The relics of Saint Julius of Novara, who gave its name to the island, are kept in the crypt.
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Vill a Orsi
Region: Lago Maggiore
Locality: Cannero Riviera
Coordinates: 46.019558 8.682977 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/villa-orsi
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LAGO DI COMO
3 The third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, Lago di Como has an inverted “y” shape and, surprisingly, only one island. Located at about 50 kilometres of Milan, aristocrats and prosperous families have enjoyed its charms since Roman times. Como is both modern and a city with a rich historical past. A guided walk through Medieval Como is particularly recommended. 3 The romantic atmosphere of Bellagio has given the town the nickname of “Pearl of the Lake”. Perfectly located in the middle of Lago di Como, it has pale coloured old buildings and cobbled alleyways filled with shops and cafés. Both the gardens of the Villa Serbelloni and the Villa Melzi can be visited. 3 Varenna is built under high cliffs and has a picturesque walk along the shore called the Walk of Lovers. On the days the house is open to the public, it is worth paying a visit to Villa Monastero, with its portraits of noble Germans and a sunken bath. The narrow but spectacular gardens count a summer pavilion, a large terrace and a promenade with statues. 3 Starting in Lenno, a short walk will take you to the Sacro Monte of Ossuccio, part of the Sacri Monti registered with the UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The pathway is lined with fourteen shrines containing full-scale statues and leads to the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso.
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Vill a Crotto
Region: Lago di Como
Locality: Carate Urio Coordinates: 45.870501, 9.120270 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/villa-crotto
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Discover
PIEMONTE
3 Turin: the capital of Piedmont is the fourth largest city in Italy after Rome, Milan and Naples. Turin is a university town, mostly well-known for its car manufacturing industry and the Juventus, the most successful Italian football team ever. An interesting historical fact is that when Hannibal crossed the Alps with his elephants, his army destroyed the place that would become Turin. The House of Savoy also boasts many beautiful royal residences in and around the city. 3 Ivrea: its medieval castle, Carnival and Battle of the Oranges, re-enacting the civil war between the habitants of the city and the Napoleonic troops, definitely deserve a mention. 3 Lago Maggiore: a visit of the Borromean Islands is a must, especially the Isola Bella. The baroque palazzo is gorgeous, as are the Italianstyle gardens landscaped over ten terraces. The Villa Taranto in Verbania is one of the most complete botanical gardens in the world. The mastermind behind this symphony of colours is Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn, who negotiated his burial in a mausoleum in his beloved park in return for donating the villa to the State. As for Stresa, its most famous guest might well be the writer Ernest Hemingway and the town has a sought-after
Musical Weeks festival. Another interesting festival is Tones on the Stones, a mix of theatre, dance and music performed in the historical stone quarries. 3 Sacri Monti: the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy is a group of nine religious sites in the mountains of Northern Italy (Varallo, Crea, Orta, Varese, Oropa, Ossuccio, Ghiffa, Domodossola and Valperga). Each sacred venue consists of a number of chapels and other architectural dwellings from the late 16th and 17th centuries. The Sacri Monti were built as an alternative to the Holy Land for the practice of the Christian faith. 3 Spa resorts: In need of relaxation? You can choose between Acqui Terme, Garessio, Lurisia, Valdieri and Vinadio. A nonexhaustive list of treatments includes hot sulphur springs, mud baths, mineral water cure, balneotherapy and thermal algae. 3 A few more facts: Monferrato, Langhe and Roero are wine-growing areas and part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Slow Food movement began in this region in 1986. Piedmont hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics. Saint Giulio is buried on the island that bears his name, in the middle of the Lago d’Orta.
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Cascina Monferrato
Region: Piemonte
Locality: Terruggia Coordinates: 45.070741 8.446621 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/cascina-monferrato
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Casa Roccaverano
Region: Piemonte
Locality: Roccaverano Coordinates: 44.614722, 8.270556 16 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/casa-roccaverano
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Villa dell’Orso
Region: Piemonte
Locality: Roccaverano Coordinates: 44.599231, 8.280829 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/villa-dell-orso
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Discover
TOSCANA
3 Florence: it is said that almost a third of the world’s art treasures are located in Tuscany’s capital. The Duomo has 463 stone steps and its cupola is painted with Vasari’s fresco of The Last Judgement. The stunning Ponte Vecchio was the only remaining bridge in Florence after World War II. The Basilica di San Lorenzo belongs to the oldest churches of the city and was the burial place of many of the Medicis. As for the Carrara marble extracted from Tuscan quarries, it has been turned into some of the most amazing buildings or art pieces. One of them is the statue of David, sculpted by a 26-year-old Michelangelo. This masterpiece can be admired in the Galeria degli Uffizi. 3 Siena: the city is built on three hills and its Torre del Mangia is the second tallest tower in Italy. A horse race called the Palio takes place each year in the amazing Piazza del Campo, built in the shape of a shell. As for the Ricciarelli biscuits, they are popular with both the locals and the tourists. 3 Lucca: a lovely and friendly fortified city with beautiful medieval architecture. Its Torre Guinigi, proudly crowned by oak trees, is one of the major attractions, with amazing views as an added bonus. It is also the perfect destination for a day trip from Florence.
3 Pisa: the city is famous for its leaning tower, whose stability should last for another 300 years following the latest renovation. The Piazza dei Miracoli regroups the cathedral, the baptistery, the leaning campanile and the camposanto (cemetery). Pisa was built on the bank of the River Arno, which gives a romantic atmosphere to the city. 3 Montalcino: set on an ancient Etruscan hill in the fabulous Val d’Orcia, Montalcino takes its name after a variety of oak. Given its position, the town offers the classic Tuscan views of sunflowers, olive and cypress trees, vineyards and winding roads. The claim of fame of Montalcino is its Brunello wine. 3 A few more facts: Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian language and was a region of great influence during the Renaissance era. Many illustrious people were born in Tuscany: Dante, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo, Puccini and even Pinocchio or, more precisely, its creator Carlo Collodi! The Chianti region, between Florence and Siena, is famous for its wines.
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Montevigna
Region: Toscana
Locality: Marlia Coordinates: 43.90998, 10.55396 8 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/montevigna
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Centolivi
Region: Toscana
Locality: Colleoli Coordinates: 43.61705, 10.73467 8 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/centolivi
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La Corte Malgiacca
Region: Toscana
Locality: Gragnano Coordinates: 43.87697, 10.61987 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/la-corte-malgiacca
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Chiodo
Region: Toscana
Locality: Vorno Coordinates: 43.79319, 10.52081 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/chiodo
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La Flora
Region: Toscana
Locality: Guomo Coordinates: 43.80521, 10.52307 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/la-flora
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Fontanelle
Region: Toscana
Locality: Montalcino Coordinates: 42.99551, 11.42185 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/fontanelle
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Lavacchio
Region: Toscana
Locality: Montalcino Coordinates: 42.99978, 11.40351 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/lavacchio
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La Sorgente
Region: Toscana
Locality: San Martino in Freddana Coordinates: 43.91701, 10.40875 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/la-sorgente
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D amiano
Region: Toscana
Locality: San Martino in Freddana Coordinates: 43.91571, 10.41656 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/damiano
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Discover
UMBRIA
3 Perugia: the capital of Umbria is host to the cathedral San Lorenzo, the Oratoria di San Bernardino and the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. Other sights of interest are the Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori, built on the Piazza IV Novembre. Going further back in time, the Etruscan well is a prime example of hydraulic engineering and the Volumni Hypogeum a wonderfully preserved funerary monument of the same era. Perugia has a university, a jazz festival and some of the world’s most famous chocolates, the Baci Perugina! 3 Orvieto: the town is spectacularly set on a huge piece of volcanic rock with plunging vertical cliffs. Despite its many buildings of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance inspirations, Orvieto is mostly famous for its white and black marble cathedral. The frescoes depicting the Apocalypse are said to have inspired Michelangelo. The old city well, dug in rock, is 61 meter deep and numerous man-made caves carved below the town can be visited. 3 Spoleto: the town possesses a Roman theatre and amphitheatre, as well as a restored Roman house with mosaic floors. Its Festival dei Due Mondi is a lively three weeks of music, theatre and dance in the summer. A visit to La Rocca d’Albornoz, an impressive fortress where Lucrezia Borgia once lived, is recommended.
On your way back, you will cross the Ponte delle Torri bridge and end your excursion with a lovely stroll in the woods. 3 Gubbio: Italians will tell you this city is Umbria’s answer to Tuscany’s Siena. A very old town dating back to the pre-Roman era, its Piazza Grande is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Located on a low slope of Mount Ingino, Gubbio and its rich history are worth a visit. It is the home of bronze tablets written in the extinct ancient Umbrian language by a priest of Jupiter. 3 Assisi: the birthplace of St. Francis is often described as the city of peace. The Giotto frescoes of the Basilica di San Francesco, his impressive burial place, are a must see. The Piazza del Comune was once a Roman forum, which has been partially excavated. 3 A few more facts: natural beauty and numerous lakes make up for the fact that Umbria has no seacoast. Amongst them is Lake Trasimeno, an ideal base to visit the region and its neighbour Tuscany; it has three islands and castles built around it. The local delicacies include tasty pork dishes, the fragrant Pecorino cheese, special breads as well as fish and eels. The prosperous vineyard production is divided between red wines (like Rosso di Montefalco) and white wines (like Orvieto Classico).
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Casa Bramasole
Region: Umbria
Locality: Tuoro sul Trasimeno Coordinates: 43.228219, 12.131503 8 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/casa-bramasole
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Casa Winther
Region: Umbria
Locality: Castel Ritaldi Coordinates: 42.806550, 12.644218 16 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/casa-winther
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Discover
LE MARCHE
3 Ancona: the capital of Le Marche is a harbour city split into two parts. On Monte Guasco you can visit the historical centre and on the coast the recent area. Walk up to Corso Mazzini, where you will find the Calamo Fountain. If you drink a bit of water from each of its 13 streams, your wish will come true. The rose and white marble facades of the Cathedral of San Ciriaco are enchanting. Another recommendation would be to try the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, an exceptional white wine from the Ancona province. 3 Cingoli: this hilltop town has been nicknamed the “Balcony of Le Marche” because of the stunning views it offers, especially from behind the church of San Francesco. Cingoli was briefly famous in 1829, when Pius VIII, born in this town, became Pope. 3 Urbino: in the 15th century, artists and scholars from Italy and many other countries made their way to the pretty town of Urbino. They turned the city into a place of art, which went on to impact culture in the whole of Europe. Urbino is also the birthplace of Renaissance painter Raphael and architect Bramante. 3 Pesaro: overlooked by the restored Palazzo Ducale, Pesaro offers wonderful beaches. Rossini was born here in 1792 and the town hosts every August an Opera Festival in honour of the famous composer. 3 Treia: the town was allegedly founded by the Sabines in Roman times and offers a mixture of Renaissance and neo-classical
architecture. Treia is known for its Disfida del Bracciale, an annual ball game already played during the Renaissance. To enjoy a truly magnificent panorama, head to the Piazza della Repubblica. 3 Tolentino: this beautiful town is a place of pilgrimage due to the presence of the shrine of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Some amazing 14th century frescoes can be admired in the gothic Cappellone di San Nicola. When you reach the Piazza della Liberta, see if you can figure out the mystery of the numerous faces present on the medieval clock tower. Also to be noted is Tolentino’s International Museum of Caricature and Humour in Art and its yearly corresponding festival. 3 San Severino Marche: the town was once Settempeda, a Roman colony with strategic positioning along the Via Flaminia. Great masters have emerged from San Severino Marche’s school of painting and some of their work can be viewed in the Pinacoteca Civica. The elliptical shape of the beautiful Piazza del Popolo makes it a curiosity and the Feronia Theatre is named after a goddess worshiped in a city temple in Roman times. 3 A few more facts: black and white truffles can be found aplenty in Le Marche. Dante wrote a poem about the Gradara Castle and the tragic fate of lovers Paolo and Francesca in his Divine Comedy. If you fancy a day of shopping, there are many designer outlets, such as Prada, to choose from.
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Cas a Olivi
Region: Le Marche Locality: Treia
Coordinates: 43.327408, 13.253267 11 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/casa-olivi
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Mal ate st a
Region: Le Marche
Locality: Pergola Coordinates: 43.528799, 12.790084 12 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/malatesta
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Casa delle Marche
Region: Le Marche
Locality: Barchi Coordinates: 43.683635, 12.902543 10 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/casa-delle-marche
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Discover
PUGLIA
3 The trulli: these unusual round limestone houses with their cone-shaped roofs are the trademark constructions of this Southern Italian region, especially in the Valle d’Itria. Many go as far back as the 15th century and used to be the homes of peasant families. The most famous place for these houses typical to Apulia is Alberobello, home to the amazing number of a thousand trulli, which put the town on the UNESCO World Heritage list. If we have piqued your curiosity, we invite you to discover Trulli Angelo, a masterpiece of traditional architecture combined with modern design standards. 3 Olive groves: an astounding fifty million olive trees grow on Puglian land and the region handles over 60% of the olive oil production in Italy. Puglia also takes the prize for biggest wine producer and is therefore called the “cellar of Italy”. 3 Bari: the capital of Puglia is a port city and its old town is worth a visit. Its most famous building is the Basilica of San Nicola, the saint who inspired Santa Claus.
3 Lecce: nicknamed the “Florence of the Baroque” or “The Rome of the South”, Lecce is a marvellous baroque town that reached its pinnacle in the 17th century. Its white stone buildings are extravagantly decorated, with a predilection for cherubs. Lecce is also famous for its papier mâché art. 3 Salento: one of the attractions of this peninsula is the wonderful food. The port town of Brindisi, now also home to an airport, has been playing the role of gate to the region for over 2000 years. The notorious Via Appia starts in Rome and ends there. 3 A few more facts: in Andria you will find Castel del Monte, one of the few octagonal castles in the world. Ostuni is a blindingly white city presiding on top of a hill. Underground churches have been built in the town of Taranto. The Tremiti Islands are part of a marine reserve and perfect for a day trip.
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Trulli Angelo
Region: Puglia
Locality: Ceglie Messapica Coordinates: 40.616022, 17.488894 8 people
www.casainitalia.com/villa/trulli-angelo
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www.casainitalia.com