Bologna Villa Baruzziana
Villa Baruzziana Photos
About Villa Baruzziana
Just off the main Via Osservanza road is a narrow, cobbled-stoned lane which leads to this exquisite villa built for Cincinnato Baruzzi. Although it screams of grandeur and elegance this finished look however, only came about after some trial and error, and a little demolition.
These following architectural plans shown here include the second phase between 1847-1849 and the third one between 1853-1862.
There is in fact very little concrete information about the story and construction of this villa.
Baruzzi originally hailed from Imola. In 1816, at 20 years old he began working under Canova and honed his skills as a great sculpture and designer. When he eventually arrived in Bologna and opened his own work shop he soon attracted good clientele. Around 1833 he took the initiative of building a house that would serve also as a museum since he was an avid collector of art and sculptures. After he bought this entire plot of land from Count Segni building work commenced in 1836.
The villa was actually known as Villa L’Eliso and little is known of the builders, although, according to evidence on art work it’s indicated that those who worked on it were part of a group known as Eliso.
As the architectural designs have already shown this building went through various stages. Not long after it was built it was demolished save for the foundations.
Around this stage another man came on board called Gaetano Gaiba who’s task it was to reconstruct the new villa. The main hallway here is quite typical of a neo-classical style, something which occurs throughout this building.
This tiny chapel was erected here in 1866. Services are obviously for patients only whenever they are arranged. Decorations of flowers line the perimeter of the small vault while Canovan-styled sculptures of two angels are embedded into the walls.
One of the main highlights within this complex is this sculpture of Canova’s Le Tre Grazie. There’s no indication as to the history of this art work although the original design of Canova’s work dates to 1813.
This space was designed to reflect the central character of the villa. There were many technical difficulties faced with this design since Baruzzi wished to make use of environmental factors such as the natural position of the hill and light. Although this space is quite dark the space was given more light by its octagonal design and the fact that the sculpture is facing north towards the city.
Other art work of marble busts occupy the wings of this hall again reflecting Baruzzi’s great interest in turning this villa into an unofficial museum. After his death in 1878 and without leaving any heirs, this villa was handed to the City of Bologna and transformed into a private hospital for mentally disabled people.
The last view from this front garden leaves little to the imagination as to why Cincinnato Barruzi chose this place to build his dream house.
References
Giuliano Gresleri, L’Eliso di Cincinnato Baruzzi: ordine e caos della Villa Baruzziana, Bologna 1990.