What secrets lie hidden beneath the unassuming facade of Arcore? This charming town, nestled in the Lombardy region, holds a past as rich as the soil that surrounds it. Arcore, whose name echoes with whispers of Hercules, boasts a history intertwined with Roman emperors, noble families, and even a touch of scandal.
Imagine standing before the majestic gates of Villa San Martino. This grand estate, with its park dating back to the 15th century, has witnessed centuries of Italian history. Once a Benedictine monastery, it later became a haven for the counts Giulini, who adorned it with grand avenues and perspectives that stretched towards the distant Lambro River. The Casati family then held the reins, their legacy intertwined with the villa’s grandeur. However, a tragic scandal shook the villa’s foundations in 1970, leaving it ripe for a new owner: Silvio Berlusconi. This media tycoon called Villa San Martino home until his passing in 2023.
But Arcore’s story doesn’t end there. Venture further, and you’ll discover the Villa Borromeo d’Adda, a testament to the opulence of 17th and 18th-century Italy. This “villa di delizia,” a place designed for delight, now welcomes the public, its foresteria and adjacent buildings transformed into the town hall. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of art and history. The stables have been reborn as a branch of the renowned Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, while the exquisite Vela Chapel, with its mournful marble sculptures, stands as a testament to love and loss. Arcore invites you to step into its embrace, to lose yourself in its labyrinthine streets and whispered tales. It’s a place where history isn’t just read, it’s felt.