2 – DOSI-MAGNAVACCA PALACE (ENG)

Dosi Palace, now owned by the Magnavacca family, who acquired it in 1931, stands as one of the most significant examples of the architectural and decorative style of the Pontremolese Baroque. This lavish private residence was built between 1742 and 1749 in the heart of the historic city center at the behest of the Dosi family, wealthy merchants who became marquises in 1733, based on the design of architect and painter Giovan Battista Natali. Unlike most Pontremolese palaces, which were designed and built by “adapting” and “transforming” old medieval buildings into Baroque residences, Dosi-Magnavacca Palace is a unique case, as it was constructed from scratch, demolishing the structures of three previous buildings.

The Dosi family used the palace simultaneously for residential, commercial, and representational purposes. The large structure and the masterful spatial distribution reflect the mercantile society of 18th-century Pontremoli, where utility and pleasure were seamlessly combined, and where art and culture were always deeply intertwined with trade and business.

The palace’s main entrance is located just a few steps from the Domus Square and Republic Square, in the heart of the city. A grand sandstone portal, topped by an elegant wrought-iron balcony, leads into a porticoed atrium that, through a striking visual perspective, extends through the entire length of the building and connects, on the opposite side, to a spacious balcony overlooking the Magra River. On either side of the atrium are two different staircases: a service staircase and a grand staircase for formal use. The latter, a scenic composition in Carrara marble and sandstone, leads to the piano nobile, where visitors can admire the large glass gallery ending in a remarkable perspective view painted by Antonio Contestabili. This artwork creates a true trompe l’oeil effect, in which a painted staircase appears to break through the wall, simulating a sequence of imaginary spaces with perfect perspective illusion.

From this gallery, one enters the grand reception apartment, entirely frescoed with the refined architectural quadratures of Giovan Battista Natali and numerous mythological and allegorical scenes painted by Giuseppe Galeotti. This is the highest expression of the “Pontremolese” decorative school, uniquely preserved in its entirety, showcasing the extraordinary interplay between figure painter and quadraturist. The main hall astonishes with its grand volumetric impact, enhanced by the perspective shift applied to the large pavilion vault, where “The Triumph of the Gods” is depicted, and framed by an elegant balcony running along its entire perimeter. Here, Natali’s quadratures frame the vaults and walls, intertwining with a light color palette of soft greens, yellows, gold, pinks, violets, and blues. These elements blend seamlessly with Galeotti’s mythological scenes, which narrate legendary kidnappings, shy maidens, deceptions, and metamorphoses. The three most prominent scenes depict the wedding procession of Neptune and Amphitrite, Mercury’s descent into Hades, and the abduction of Europa.

Several smaller but richly decorated rooms connect to the main hall. Two of these were dedicated to the family’s painting gallery, originally housing the renowned Dosi collection, while the alcove features a richly frescoed headboard painted directly onto the wall.

Today, the reception apartment of Dosi Palace is used for literary presentations, art exhibitions, conferences, and film sets, as well as serving as an object of architectural and cultural study.