Villa Gaia Gandini is a historic villa located in Robecco sul Naviglio, home to noble families and distinguished celebrities. Here is a brief history of the villa and its transformations.
The villa was built in the 15th century by Count Vitaliano I Borromeo, who purchased land along the Naviglio Grande, where an ancient medieval fortress once stood. The villa served as a countryside retreat where nobles would gather for leisure and hunting. The historical building became known as “Villa Gaia” in the late 15th century when it became a place of entertainment for Ludovico Sforza (Il Moro – The Moor), Duke of Milan.
The Villa was then handed down to Vitaliano’s son, Filippo Borromeo, who was married to Francesca Visconti, and their descendants, who subsequently adopted the surname Visconti-Borromeo. The villa’s illustrious guests include Duchess Bona of Savoy, widow of Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza, who stayed there in 1481.
In the 17th century, the villa was inherited by Bianca Visconti Borromeo, married to the count Gaspare Biglia. The couple expanded and embellished the villa, adding an Italian-style garden with tree-lined avenues and statues. The villa was then inherited by their daughter Anna Teresa Biglia, married to Count Eugenio Confalonieri.
In the 18th century, the villa underwent further renovations in the Baroque style. Count Eugenio Confalonieri died in the villa in 1771. The villa remained in the Confalonieri family until the 20th century, when it was purchased by the d’Adamo-Gandini family.
Today, Villa Gaia Gandini is a venue for events of various kinds, such as weddings, company parties, gala dinners and photoshoots. The villa still retains the charm and prestige of yesteryear, thanks to restoration work that has enhanced its original architecture and decorations. The villa has an internal car park, a courtyard that can be furnished, six multi-purpose internal rooms and a terrace along the Naviglio.