4 – VILLA PAVESI GARDEN (ENG)

Villa Pavesi in Scorano, located in the picturesque village of Scorano, dates back to the period between 1711 and 1740. It was built on the site of an old manor house belonging to the Castellini family. The three Pavesi brothers—Paolo, Francesco, and Giuseppe—commissioned the project from architects Giovanni Battista Natali and Antonio Contestabili, renowned for their works in the city. The villa stands out for the sobriety of its structure, in stark contrast to the surrounding Baroque garden, meticulously designed and still well-preserved today.

At the heart of it all is the garden, theatrical and astonishing, where every detail has been carefully planned. Entering through a courtyard that acts as a junction between the main residence, the village houses, and the garden, one immediately steps into the ninfeo, introduced by an elegant gate. This secluded and mysterious place evokes nature while being entirely artificial, resembling a small stage animated by mythological figures and water features. Behind the ninfeo, a double horseshoe staircase leads to the second level. Here, an expansive green space unfolds, where expertly sculpted evergreen boxwood hedges form intricate designs and structure the space like true theatrical backdrops.

This quadrangular area, enclosed by walls and balustrades, is adorned with hedges, fountains, statues, grotesque masks, and, in the warm season, large lemon trees—carefully stored in the orangery during winter. On one side lies a wild, forested mountain, while on the other, the vast basin of Pontremoli, dominated by the Apennines. At the far end of the garden, a long building serves as a scenic backdrop, originally painted with one of the characteristic perspective views beloved in Pontremolese Baroque. A small spiral staircase leads to the belvedere, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the villa and garden—once again designed with dramatic perspective to enhance symmetry and depth.

The villa itself is structured on two levels, with porticos connecting the grand reception halls and master bedrooms to the service rooms. This architectural layout highlights the austerity of the house while emphasizing the decorative richness of the garden, creating a fascinating balance between nature and the theatrical aesthetic of the 18th century.

The origins of Scorano date back to the 13th century, while the Castellini family’s manor house is documented as early as the 15th century. The villa and garden underwent renovation in the early 18th century, a time when the Pavesi family, taking advantage of Pontremoli’s strategic location, flourished economically. The garden, attributed to Natali, is characterized by its dramatic geometric design, where water and vegetation harmoniously blend.

Finally, a belvedere adorned with marble cherubs provides a privileged view of this extraordinary setting, where garden artistry and architecture merge into a masterpiece of remarkable beauty and charm. Villa Pavesi thus stands as an emblematic example of the union between nobility, nature, and the artistic vision of the 18th century.