Villa Arese Lucini

Villa Arese Lucini in Osnago
Villa Arese Lucini is a splendid late-16th-century aristocratic mansion nestled in the verdant countryside of the Brianza region in Osnago, less than an hour’s drive from Milan and a short distance from Como and Lecco. The striking, impressive Villa is a stately mansion whose architectural design has developed significantly over the centuries, reflecting the importance of the families residing there.  The elegance of its interiors, sumptuous decorations, valuable original furnishings, collection of Chinese porcelain and priceless library all contribute to Villa Arese Lucini being a veritable treasure trove of hidden gems, preciously preserved over generations.

Villa Arese Lucini is also extremely proud of having an exclusive collaboration with 3 Michelin star chef Enrico Bartolini, the incomparable creator of his ‘Contemporary Classic’ cuisine, inspired by traditional yet innovative flavours that are packed with memories and masterfully interpreted with a modern twist. The estate consists of the Villa, the ‘Torciera’ and the flourishing English-landscaped gardens. The so-called Torciera is to be found here, next to the Villa, and is an imposing 17th-century building elaborately frescoed, despite its former rural and administrative function. The original 17th-century Italianate garden was transformed into an English-style park in the mid-1800s. Currently consisting of wide, slightly undulating lawns and centuries-old trees, it provides impressive panoramic views and is particularly striking at sunset, when the play of lights makes for an absolutely magical atmosphere.

The history of Villa Arese Lucini
Because of its historical importance and sumptuous appearance, Villa Arese Lucini is particularly notable and renowned right across the hilly region of Brianza. The residence is indeed a veritable museum, offering visitors the possibility of observing in person the different architectural layers superimposed over five hundred years of history. The vicissitudes of this grand monument began back on April 14, 1590, when Sigismonda d’Este, the widow of the count of the Riviera (Paolo Sfondrati), acted on behalf of her children and as procurator for her brother-in-law, Nicolo’ Sfondrati, who ascended to the papal throne bearing the name of Pope Gregory XIV that same year. Sigismonda sold a property in the Osnago area, on which a 16th-century noble house already stood, to the Como banker Francesco Lucini.

At the behest of the Marquis Giulio Lucini, the great transformation of the property into a monumental complex that was to represent the prestige and power of the Lucini family took place between 1606 and 1652, resulting in a building that appeared more palace than villa. Two ground-floor rooms remain of the original 16th-century dwelling, characterised by cross vaults set on elegant hanging capitals and walls that are more than a metre thick. The exterior appearance of the house, the grandeur of its design, the splendid interiors and the magnificent square staircase were designed and built under the direction of Francesco Maria Richini and his son Gian Domenico, celebrated architects who dominated the Milanese scene for nearly fifty years during the seventeenth century.

Villa Arese Lucini preserves some of the most interesting and splendid examples of 17th-century Lombard architecture, commencing with the grand four-flight staircase with its granite steps, ‘pietra molera’ stone balustrades, walls painted with architectural motifs and views of Brianza landscapes. The chapel is also noteworthy for the way in which it has been incorporated into the layout of the house. Consecrated and inaugurated in 1652, it displays frescoes by Gio Cristoforo Storer depicting scenes from the Passion and also contains an invaluable marble altarpiece from the Lombard school with a portrait of the Deposition of Jesus. During the course of the 18th century, Villa Arese Lucini came into possession of a wealth of precious ornaments; the whole residence has retained an olde-worlde charm, thanks to the presence of marble doorways, fireplaces with richly decorated mantles, splendid coffered ceilings, Venetian-style mosaic floors, bookshelves in the well-stocked library containing more than twenty thousand volumes including very rare editions and precious manuscripts, and immeasurably valuable collections of sculptures, tapestries, paintings, porcelain, and all manner of objets d’art.

In the second half of the 18th century, as a result of the marriage with Benedetto Arese, Count of Barlassina, the Villa became the property of the Arese Lucini family, who still own it today. In the early years of the 19th century, the residence was frequently visited by Ugo Foscolo, who dedicated the famous “Ode to the healed friend” to his lover, Countess Antonietta Fagnani Arese. Still inhabited all year round by its owners and exuding all the flavour and atmosphere of a real family home, Villa Arese Lucini is a repository of secrets accumulated and guarded over its five hundred years of history. A suggestive courtyard leads to the Torciera, a spacious 17th-century construction built on three levels by Richini, recently restored and full of wonderful frescoes that belie its former rural and administrative function. The English-style grounds are rich in centuries-old plants that offers glimpses of rare beauty and charm.

Facilities and services: wedding receptions and exclusive events in Brianza
Villa Arese Lucini is an exceptional setting if you are looking for a venue with great charm and sophistication. The Villa can host exclusive events for up to 50 seated guests. Adjoining the Villa, the Torciera, as it is called, has recently been completely renovated and restored to its former glory, preserving and enhancing all the original features and making it a unique and very versatile place to host a prestigious event. La Torciera is therefore the ideal choice for companies wishing to organise events in a location that has a remarkable visual impact and also for private individuals seeking an enchanting setting and a magical atmosphere for weddings and receptions.

La Torciera can host events for up to 300 people. It is a 1,000-square-metre construction, divided into three separate reception rooms that are connected by the backdrop of a magnificent staircase. The charming courtyard gives access into the main building and into the large hall with its 400 square metre beamed ceiling and balcony, the upstairs former barn (250 sq. m.) which is accessed through a frescoed portal and the colonnaded cellar with its vaulted ceiling (250 sq. m.) and the scenic staircase. In addition, the Park is available for outdoor events. Villa Arese Lucini is also extremely proud of having an exclusive collaboration with 3 Michelin star chef Enrico Bartolini, the incomparable creator of his ‘Contemporary Classic’ cuisine, inspired by traditional yet innovative flavours that are packed with memories and masterfully interpreted with a modern twist.