Villa Marchese del Grillo
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The Villa Marchese del Grillo, also known as the 100 windows villa,[1] is a four-story palace built in 1778 by the Marquise Onofrio del Grillo.[2]
It is 5km from Fabriano in the Province of Ancona, Marche, Italy. The villa is considered an iconic landmark in Italy because of its history.[3][4][5]
The palace is in a four-hectare plot of land, surrounded by a park with centuries-old linden trees.
The left wing of the villa has a chapel, and there is a second building to the north, called the Locanda (the former "Guardian House of the Marquise"). Currently it is a "4 star Relays - Restaurant - Enoteca".
History
The palace is established in a style reminiscent of the historical Marchigiani Villas.[1]
It was built in 1771 at the behest of the Marquise Onofrio Del Grillo. The villa was constructed by famous by a 1981 movie of the same name,[6] directed by Mario Monicelli and starring the actor Alberto Sordi.[7]
The Marquise Onofrio del Grillo was born in Fabriano in 1714 and worked at the Papal Court in Rome after studying in Urbino.[8] He was also a high Papal dignitary, Marquis of Santa Cristina and Count of Portula. His exploits and fame of his colossal jokes spread throughout the world for his eccentric character becoming a truly Italian Legend.[9]
After the maquise's death, the property was owned by the Duca Possenti di Polonia, and later by the Contessa Vallemani. In 1987 the D’Alesio family, who owned the landmark, restored it and turned it into a tourist complex.
Restoration
After years of restoration this landmark. Started to be named as The Pearl of Central Italy for his history, combination of lavish fabrics, antique furniture and artistic conception.
The elliptical staircase starts from the ground floor and is made of brick embellished with fake marble decorations with two identical ramps connecting this level with the noble floor. All lighting is enhanced by Swarosvki crystals.
A modern elevator has been installed on the left wing of the palace that goes from ground floor to the last floor.
The Great Room of the Villa was named after Alberto Sordi, for his starring role of the movie Il Marchese del Grillo that was filmed in this location. This Salon is currently used only for exclusive events.
The suites are situated on The Noble Floor (second floor). To access the suite you go through the “Noble Doors” which are luxurious made with Italian walnut wood & gold leaf of 24 kt gold. They are found at each corner on the Noble Floor. Named after their primary masters: Marchese Del Grillo Suite, Duca Suite and Contessa Suite, they were decorated with stucco and designed to personally represent each of their personalities.[10]
In the Master Bathroom of the Marchese Del Grillo Suite there are 4 wardrobes that represent the 4 Seasons. There is one faux double door where each of Marquis’ lovers escaped through a secret passageway. This secret passageway is currently closed.
The exterior flooring is made of sandstone on the terrace of the South Entrance of the Villa and of brick and Serena Stone on the patio of the North Entrance.[1][11]
Eco Sustainable landmark
When it comes to the environmental sustainability, Villa Marchese Del Grillo ensures energy and water savings, implementing the use of renewable energy and a treatment of the virtuous riiuti , all in full respect of the surrounding environment. In 2015, a wood chip boiler ETA HACK 200 was installed to re- warm the rooms and produce the hot water, generating a significant savings on annual heating costs by more than 75%. Also, all windows have been replaced and adhered to the energy saving standards.[12]
Chapel
The Chapel was built in 1771 and is attached to the right wing of the villa with an entrance from the north side. It is decorated in the Art Nouveau style with an embossed floral pattern in the ceiling decorations. In the center of the ceiling there is a special design depicting a sun interposed by a dove; a symbol of peace that comes after the sunshine. Two wooden statues made from the centuries-old park plants, cut to a thickness of 3–4 cm and made in black and white, give a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.
The Marquis had plenty adherence with the Vatican & The Pope. Because of this, the chapel is rich with a remarkable collection of christian relics such as: Saint Potenziana, Saint Ruffina and Saint Vincenzo Martire. The final resting place of St. August was also found there, kept behind the wall to preserve it from the German invasion.[10]
The Marquise used to enjoy the papal mass from a private balcony that connected the chapel with his suite on the noble floor. This chapel is currently used only for guests and visitors that want to celebrate their private events.
Gallery
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Locanda Marchese Del Grillo
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Garden of the Villa (North Side)
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"Corriere di Ancona publication"
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References
- 1 2 3 As described by the Architect Ilaria Marchesi. Fabriano, Le Marche. Italy.
- ↑ "Biography of the Marquise Onofrio Del Grillo". treccani.it. Dizionario Biografico Italiano. Retrieved 2002.
- ↑ leggilo.net, author Valentina
- ↑ radio gold fabriano
- ↑ corriere di ancona (Italian Newspaper
- ↑ Movie Marchese del Grillo, filmtv.i, Smart Vision TV
- ↑ Italian press (Il centro, Il tempo, La Reppublica). Smart Vision TV, filmtv.it
- ↑ Italian Press (Il Centro, La Repubblica, Il Tempo) filmtv.it
- ↑ Italian Press (La Repubblica, Il Centro, Il Tempo, Positano News, Il Corriere di Ancona). esteri.it, vogue.it, Saltinaria.it, Senigallianotizie.it, Visitacastelliromani.it, filmtv.it, Smart Vision TV, Radio Gold Fabriano
- 1 2 The interview to Lanfranco D'Alesio
- ↑ Corriere di Ancona, Italian Newspaper
- ↑ Agriforenergy magazine, by Mauro Aguda
External links
Media related to Villa Marchese del Grillo at Wikimedia Commons