Villa La Valera

Is this a dream? The question lingered in the air as we stood before the majestic Villa La Valera. This grand estate, dating back to the late 1700s, seems frozen in time. Villa La Valera wasn’t always a single entity. It began as a humble rural village known as Valera, a picturesque hamlet in Arese. For centuries, it was a unified territory under the ownership of a single proprietor. This unique situation allowed Valera to maintain a certain level of autonomy, both administratively and culturally. It also shaped its urban layout, making it distinct from the surrounding settlements. The heart of Villa La Valera is the magnificent Lattuada-Settala-Marietti-Ricotti villa. This architectural gem boasts the classic lines of a pleasure villa from the late 18th century. But its history stretches back even further, with records mentioning its existence in the early 17th century. Imagine strolling through its meticulously manicured gardens, divided into two distinct styles: a formal Italian garden and a more naturalistic English garden. To the north of the villa lies the old village, a charming maze of courtyards and rural buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. Walking through these courtyards is like stepping back in time, experiencing the rustic ambiance of a bygone era in the Milanese countryside. The charm of Villa La Valera extends beyond its grand villa and gardens. A visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the graceful Church of San Bernardino da Siena. This 16th-century gem has undergone several renovations throughout the centuries. Inside, you’ll find two exquisite Lombard school altarpieces from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.