An 18th century masterpiece and its transformation
Villa Amalia, an elegant building in the shape of a parallelepiped, has a history that dates back to 1750. However, the current appearance of the building is the result of an important architectural and artistic renovation that took place in the second half of the following century. This renovation marked the moment when the prestigious Franchini family chose Villa Amalia as their main residence.
Don Cesare and Don Salvatore Franchini, during that period, were the preceptors of the son of Baron Hermann Kanzler, the general who led the papal troops in the defense of Porta Pia from the attack of the Italians. During the summer months, General Kanzler lived in the nearby villa Bellavista in Borgo a Buggiano. It was in this context that the two Franchini created a library of great value, later transferred and rearranged at Villa Amalia. Moreover, together with their brother Torello and, above all, the son of the latter, Franchino, the Franchini family fully converted to the ideal of the Risorgimento and liberal.
The Meaning of “Amalia”
The name “Amalia” is inspired by Amalia Arrigoni Franchini, who died in 1992 and was responsible for uniting the Franchini family with the most prestigious families of the local nobility, including the Magnani, the Cecchi and the Nuti. It should be noted that there was already a relationship with the Tellini, then extinct family and fused with the Franchini. So much so that in the fifties of the last century, at Villa Amalia, were preserved the relics of general Enrico Tellini. The death of the latter in 1923 was the cause of a serious international crisis that led to the aggression of Mussolini in Corfu.
A wealth of connections
Villa Amalia has continued to grow rich in connections with influential families, including those of the new ruling class as the Republican Zoppi (for example, Sergio Zoppi) or families of ancient Neapolitan origin as the Acquaviva Coppola (as evidenced by the Acquaviva Coppola Palace) and the Catemario di Quadri. These family ties help to understand the complex socio-cultural context that has long characterized Villa Amalia.
The Art of Nicola Torricini
The decoration of both the exterior and interior of the villa was entrusted to the renowned painter from Pisa, Nicola Torricini, also known for having decorated the Blue Palace in Pisa, among many other projects. It is believed that Torricini painted personally some rooms of the house, such as the frescoes room and the so-called “celestial chamber”, while others, such as the “green chamber”, were made under his supervision. Torricini also collaborated in the restoration of the facade of the villa, which was the subject of recent works in 2012.
The enchanted garden
The garden of Villa Amalia is a true romantic masterpiece, with a central avenue leading to the entrance of the villa, surrounded by two side groves. The garden is enriched by secular trees, bamboo beds, boxwood and laurel sculptures, and asymmetrical flower beds. A true oasis of beauty and serenity.
The Villa is open to the public once a year on the occasion of the opening of the villas and historic houses associated with the Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane (A.D.S.I.) which brings together owners of historical buildings protected by the Italian State.
Usually the opening is held on one of the last Sundays in May.
