Once upon a time, Castellazzo was its own little world. This is a world now part of Bollate in the province of Milan.
Castellazzo. Even the name whispers of history. It was once an independent municipality in the Milanese area. In 1771, it had just 240 residents. Imagine the quiet life here.
But change came. In 1809, Napoleon’s decree annexed it to Garbagnate. The Austrians restored it later. However, in 1841, it was incorporated into Bollate.
The heart of Castellazzo is Villa Arconati. It is also known as il Castellazzo. This magnificent villa is a national monument. Every summer, the Villa Arconati Festival fills the air with music. It takes place in June and July.
Villa Arconati is more than just a beautiful building. It is an Italian take on Versailles. The Arconati family completed it in the late 18th century. It showcases Lombard baroque elegance. The villa has been rebuilt several times since 1610. Each owner left their mark. Yet, the Arconati family’s vision remained consistent.
As you walk along the Viale dei Leoni, Villa Arconati appears. Its charm is undeniable. The Augusto Rancilio Foundation is restoring it to its former glory. The Salone del Museo houses the Roman statue of Tiberius. It also holds the cabinet for Gaston de Foix’s monument.
The Library once held Leonardo da Vinci’s Atlantic Code sheets. They were donated to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in 1637. The Salone del Museo hosts events. These events help fund the villa’s restoration.
Climb the Staircase of Honor to the Noble floor. You will find the women’s apartments and the Salone della Musica. The Galliari brothers painted scenes here in 1750. They were famous scenographers from the Ducal Theater of Milan.
Castellazzo has seen tragedy too. In 1918, an explosion destroyed the Sutter & Thévenot explosives factory. Sixty female workers died. Ernest Hemingway, a Red Cross volunteer, mentioned it in his story.
Castellazzo once had a train station on the Milan-Saronno line. It served workers from nearby brick kilns. The station closed in 1990 despite local protests.
Today, Castellazzo is a frazione surrounded by the Parco delle Groane. It borders Garbagnate Milanese. Villa Arconati and its history define this place. It is a reminder of a time when Castellazzo was a world of its own. A world of nobles, farmers, and artisans. A world shaped by art, music, and tragedy.