“Another Gagliardi? Which one is this?” you might ask. Well, let me tell you about Villa Gagliardi. This Villa Gagliardi was designed by architect Giacomo Franco. He was contacted by his friend Giovanni Gagliardi in 1867.
Franco renovated an old manor house. It was a two-story brick building dating back to the 17th century. The land probably belonged to the church. The parish church of Bovolone is not far away. The Gagliardi family acquired the land in 1867. Before them, the Bottari family and Cesare Bertoli owned it.
Giovanni Gagliardi decided to build a villa. Within two years, Giacomo Franco transformed everything. He worked on the manor house, the gatehouse, the boundary wall, and the entrance portal. He also landscaped the garden.
The interior of Villa Gagliardi reflects the typical layout of Venetian villas. There is a long central entrance hall. On either side are the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, and the stairs to the upper floors. The first floor follows the same layout. The attic was created on the second floor.
Franco also decorated the villa. He added balustrades, pillars, and gates. The exterior features Romanesque elements. Look at the arched cornice. Notice the yellow and red bands that mimic the look of tuff and brick.
The park combines Italian and English garden styles. Geometric flowerbeds are bordered by box hedges. Four small artificial hills were created. Two of these hills are connected by a bridge. The villa is still inhabited by the Gagliardi family’s heirs. Villa Gagliardi stands as a testament to the Gagliardi family’s vision. It showcases Giacomo Franco’s architectural skill. This villa blends history with nature.