Villa di Trenzanesio, located in the municipality of Rodano, in the province of Milan, was built in the second half of the 16th century and was initially owned by the Litta family. In the 19th century, the Villa became the property of the Greppi family until the mid-Fifties, when it was purchased with 300 hectares of farmland by Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi, who oversaw the restoration of both the building and its surroundings.
Green spaces were completely recovered through some Italian-style gardens, enriched by cobbled paving in the courtyard in front of the entrance to the Villa and water features of the fountains. The reconstruction also included the famous “spyglass”, a long perspective of rows of cypress poplars to the south of the Villa, giving a perspective view that is similar to that of the instrument after which it is named.
The work was carried out by architect Tomaso Buzzi and his assistant, Filippo Perego, and was based on 17th century drawings.
Villa Litta Invernizzi, together with the “Church of the Saints and Martyrs Protasius and Gervasius” and all its outbuildings, stands within the Trenzanesio estate. The estate covers approximately 300 hectares and is located within Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, regulated by a landscape protection constraint. Furthermore, the property has been under monumental protection since 1912.
The 16th century villa is in Palladian style and its beauty is especially enhanced by the large, well-kept outdoor green areas that include a long perspective of rows of cypress poplars bordering the park avenues, Italian-style gardens, fountains and pescherone where several species of animals live. The Invernizzi couple, who had always loved nature, populated the estate with ornamental animals and birds such as peacocks, swans, ducks and deer.
The building has a central plan characterised by a passing hall connecting the other rooms and a portico on the main front. The façade is characterised by a double “serliana” recalling the architecture of Venetian villas, while the general layout is typical of Lombard tradition.
The Invernizzi couple lived in Trenzanesio until the early Seventies, i.e. before they moved to the building they had purchased in the centre of Milan.
The estate also includes the church built in the 18th century by the Litta family, which has always been a place of worship for the inhabitants of the hamlet of Trenzanesio. When the property was purchased by Cavaliere Invernizzi, the church initially became a place for private functions and later, after their passing, the burial ground of Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi.
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Invernizzi Award
