Majestic rooms with frescoed ceilings, gilded stucco, and elegant chandeliers… It feels like being in Versailles, or at least in a smaller version of it. But no, we are in Lombardy, a few kilometers from Milan, where there is a splendid 17th-18th century residence often referred to as the little Italian Versailles. With its 365 windows and extraordinary French gardens, among hedges, statues, fountains, and even a maze, it is not difficult to imagine kings and queens strolling in sumptuous clothes through the halls of the villa.
Located just over 20 minutes from Milan by car, this regal place is ideal for an escape from the modern city and a dip into the past. In 1610, the villa was purchased by Galeazzo Arconati, an art collector and architecture enthusiast, who transformed the ancient property into a true noble residence, expanding it and organizing the surrounding landscape in a spectacular way. In the following centuries, his descendants further enriched the residence with frescoes, sculptures, and water features.
Events, tickets, and other information
Today, it is open to visitors every Sunday from the end of March to mid-December, generally from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost around €11, although discounts are available in some cases. Villa Arconati in Castellazzo di Bollate is one of the best-preserved and most valued historic residences in the Milan area and is mainly used to host both modern events, such as the Villa Arconati Music Festival, and historical reenactments, such as 19th-century balls.
However, Villa Arconati is not the only place where you can feel a little part of the Bridgerton era. In fact, the historic Auditorium San Fedele will also open its doors for a few evenings to the most talked-about event of the season: Candlelight x Bridgerton. An exclusive concert by candlelight, where a string quartet will perform the soundtrack of the beloved series in an intimate and elegant version.