Villa Vassena Ronchetti
Museum | Sala Al Barro | Lombardia | Italy
The Villa Vassena Ronchetti in Sala al Barro, Lombardy, is a historic building that was built in 1907 by Pietro Vassena, a successful entrepreneur. Originally from Sala al Barro, Vassena had achieved wealth in Argentina and returned to Italy to build this impressive estate. The villa was later passed on to his daughter Clelia and her husband Antonio Ronchetti, a silk manufacturer from Galbiate. After Antonio Ronchetti's death in 1958, Clelia lived in the villa until her own passing in old age. In 1986, the municipality of Galbiate acquired the property, and in 2003 it came under the ownership of the East Lake Como Mountain Community. Extensive restoration work was carried out between 2008 and 2010 to preserve the villa and its historical elements.
Architecture:
The Villa Vassena Ronchetti is an outstanding example of the eclectic style with clear influences of Art Nouveau. Particularly remarkable are the two-story balconies with intricate wrought iron railings, crafted by local artisans. The facades are adorned with vegetal motifs and stylized flowers, reflecting the aesthetics of Art Nouveau. Inside, the villa impresses with a intricately designed mosaic floor and a magnificent oak wood staircase, crafted by local artisan Giacomo Giudici.
Current use:
Today, the Villa Vassena Ronchetti serves as the headquarters of the East Lake Como Mountain Community. The public areas of the villa are open to visitors and can be visited during regular opening hours. The villa is a significant cultural heritage site and a testament to the history and architecture of the region.
