Description of the attraction
Villa Sommy Pichenardi is a luxurious old residence of the Marquis Sommy Pichenardi, built in the late 17th - early 18th centuries in the small town of Torre De Pichenardi in the province of Cremona. The villa is surrounded by a huge park with centuries-old trees, among which are hidden tiny temples, ancient buildings and numerous statues.
The history of the villa itself dates back to the end of the 17th century, when the noble Sala family decided to build a country residence in their domain of Alta Brianza. By that time, there was already an observation tower and a 14th century rural building in which food was stored. It was to this building that the villa was added. Unfortunately, despite numerous searches, it has not yet been possible to establish the name of the architect who built the luxurious house in the Lombard Baroque style. It is only known that the construction was completed by 1702 - this date can be seen on the pediment of the chapel of Santi Ambrogio e Galdino.
In the 14th century, on the site of the villa, there was a fortified farm typical of Lombardy, whose task was to protect the fertile lands between the rivers Oglio and Po. There was also an observation tower, which in the 17th century, together with the estate, became part of a residential complex. The English garden with beautiful rare flowers, located in front of the villa, was significantly expanded in 1880, and behind the villa you can find an Italian garden - on its territory you can still see stone statues and images of ancient gods and mythical creatures.
In the 1920s, the villa became the property of the Marquis Paolo Sommi Pichenardi di Calvatone, a distant relative of the Sala family, who, as a passionate amateur gardener, greatly embellished his estate and garden. His work was continued by the heirs who still own the villa.
