The Royal Villa of Monza

In 1771 Archduke Ferdinando I, son of Empress Maria Theresa, settled in Milan as the new Austrian governor. The return of a court imposed the need for representative seats of power. Piermarini was entrusted with both the task of adapting the ducal palace in Milan, chosen as an urban residence, and the project of a villa outside the city. Monza was chosen as a holiday resort. Piermarini creates a neoclassical building adapted to the needs of a suburban villa. The three main bodies are arranged in a U shape and delimit a large court of honor. The space is defined in a rational and orderly way. A main avenue, a perspective axis, leads west towards Milan. The decoction of the facades is very rigorous. The essentiality of the building is due to political reasons. Vienna wanted to avoid ostentation of wealth and power in an occupied country. The interiors also accord with the principle of rationality. The furnishings and frescoes that decorate the entire monument are of classical inspiration, curated by Giocondo Albertolli. The building extends towards the gardens with paths, a small pond and a temple.