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The XVIII century villa takes its name from the Clerici family, one of the richest and most influential of that period, who had it designed and built by architect Francesco Croce, the same who built the main spire of the Milan Cathedral. Its owner, Antonio Giorgio Clerici – a rich silk merchant from Como – envisioned it as a country abode where he could thoroughly manage his business exchanges in Milan and Como.

In 1927, after several other owners, the villa became a property of the “Compagnia di San Paolo” – a social redemption organization for former convicts and needy young people. Since 1938, it has been owned by a real estate company. In 1955, the Gallery of Contemporary Sacred Art was opened in the restored rooms of the villa, including a rich collection of sacred works by many famous artists.

The U-shaped architectural complex consists of a central body and two wings that surround the Italian garden with statues of exquisite craftsmanship. The vast rear park is the largest, redesigned and decorated with colonnades, parterres and scenery flats arranged along its central axis. Between tree rows and groves, there are some fountains and sculptures, plunged into an atmosphere of joyful serenity offered to all visitors.

Photo source: https://www.villaclerici.it

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)