4 – VILLA DOSI DELFINI (ENG)

Villa Dosi Delfini represents a significant chapter in the history of Pontremoli. Built in the late 17th century at the behest of brothers Carlo and Francesco Dosi, the villa emerged during a period of economic and commercial growth, facilitated by Pontremoli’s strategic location, which fostered trade between the port of Livorno and the Po Valley.

The origins of the Dosi family date back to the 12th century, with an oath of allegiance to Modena. After a period spent in Bologna and Belgioioso, a member of the family, Guglielmo, became the commander of the Sforza garrison in Pontremoli in 1496. Over time, the Dosi family established thriving commercial activities, becoming skilled merchants in textiles and spices, and solidifying their influence through strategic marriages with local families. Their rise culminated in the 17th century when Nicolò Dosi was admitted to Pontremoli’s General Council.

By the late 1600s, Nicolò’s sons, Carlo and Francesco Dosi, began construction on the Casa dei Chiosi, a villa that reflected the Baroque aesthetic of the time and aligned with the broader historical, artistic, and cultural transformation that saw Pontremoli evolve from a medieval town into a Baroque city. Passionate about art and architecture, Carlo Dosi commissioned prominent artists such as Lombard architect Francesco Natali and Tuscan painter Alessandro Gherardini to decorate the villa. Although construction began in the 1660s and 1670s, the villa was completed in 1700, as evidenced by the inscriptions beneath the busts of its founders—commonly called i Parrucconi (“the Big-Wigs”)—positioned above the entrance portal.

Francesco Natali is widely credited with the interior decoration, particularly the quadrature frescoes, which became a hallmark of Pontremolese Baroque style throughout the first half of the 18th century. Meanwhile, Gherardini was responsible for the figure paintings in the grand hall, though unfortunately, much of this work has been lost over time. Family tradition also attributes to Natali the design of the bridge and the small chapel at Chiosi. An inscription at the site states that the bridge was commissioned by Carlo Dosi in 1705 “ad solum proprium usum eiusque heredum” (“for his and his heirs’ exclusive use”).

Following Carlo Dosi’s death in 1724, his son, Giuseppe Antonio, continued the family’s commercial ventures but shifted his focus toward building a palazzo in the city’s historic center. Thanks to the prestige of the villa, his political connections, and his growing influence, he was granted the title of Marquis in 1733. However, in the following generations, the Dosi family faced economic decline and inheritance disputes, ultimately leading to the villa’s abandonment during the French Revolution.

In the 19th century, figures such as Gian Simone and Gian Carlo Dosi gradually restored Villa dei Chiosi. Despite the neglect that had left permanent marks on the frescoes and furnishings, the family worked to refurnish the villa, acquiring artwork and antiques from the market. During World War II, the villa suffered damage due to bombings targeting a nearby German command post. However, in the post-war years, Gian Carlo and his son Pier Andrea undertook significant restoration efforts.

The villa’s hanging gardens, adorned with statues and lush vegetation, along with a scenic belvedere offering breathtaking panoramic views, embody the Baroque concept of a place of delight and social gatherings. The H-shaped structure, surrounded by terraced vineyards, represents a harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and artistic decoration.

In 1988, Villa Dosi Delfini was officially recognized as a site of particular historical and artistic interest, prompting a series of restoration projects that culminated between 1991 and 1993, restoring the villa to its former splendor. Today, Villa Dosi Delfini is not only a vital testament to local history but also a symbol of resilience and cultural revival.