Villa Borromeo Visconti Litta

Villa Visconti Borromeo Arese Litta, commonly known as Villa Litta, is a historic villa that dates back to the 16th century. It is located in the municipality of Lainate and is particularly known for its nymphaeum, a monument dedicated to the nymphs, especially those of springs. This architectural complex is made up of a succession of rooms decorated with mosaics and artificial caves, designed to house the substantial museum collection of the count. It is considered one of the most important examples in Northern Italy for the richness of its decorations and the variety of its water games.

The Conception of Villa Litta

The entire complex of Villa Litta was conceived around 1585 by Pirro I Visconti Borromeo. Inspired by the villas of Medici Tuscany, he transformed a Lainate property with a farmhouse from the second half of the 14th century into a place of delights. This transformation involved the collaboration of the best artists of the Lombard area, including architect Martino Bassi and painters Camillo Procaccini and Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli.

The Layout of Villa Litta and its Gardens

The villa and gardens of Lainate are set along a main symmetrical axis from south to north, which extends for a length of 300 meters. This layout provides a unique perspective and a sense of grandeur to the property. The axis begins with the building facing the current Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Once past the massive entrance gate, one has access to the Courtyard of Honor, surrounded on all four sides by buildings of different heights.