The location of Villa Calchi is one of the venues that I have most appreciated during my experience as a wedding photographer in Lake Como. I have collected all the most important information, to allow you to get to know the history, and the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the location. Enjoy the reading!
Villa Calchi: the history
Villa Calchi is a historic residence built in the 16th century in Calco Superiore - Vescogna, in the province of Lecco. The elegant complex stands on top of a hill, offering a splendid view of Lake Sartirana. A perfect example of the Lombard Renaissance, the dwelling was constructed on a pre-existing settlement, already mentioned in some documents from 930.
The villa owes its name to the Calchi family, deeply connected to the powerful Sforza family. Around 1450, Francesco Sforza, the future first duke of the state of Milan, camped here. It was thanks to the support of Giovanni Calchi that Francesco managed to overcome the Venetian troops and the Ambrosian Republic.
Upon Giovanni's death, Villa Calchi passed through inheritance to his son Bartolomeo, who had meanwhile been appointed the First Ducal Secretary of the Sforza. With this title, Bartolomeo primarily dealt with foreign affairs, often hosting Prince Ludovico Maria Sforza in his Vescogna estate.
In 1508, Villa Calchi then passed to Bartolomeo's sons, who continued to pass down the residence to their descendants for about three centuries. Used mainly as a holiday residence, the complex was finally sold in 1809 by Luigi Calchi to the Brembilla family. From this moment, however, Villa Calchi was gradually divided and sold to different buyers.
From the second half of the 19th century, the mansion began to lose its splendor. Abandoning the glory of previous centuries, it was dedicated solely to the agricultural management of the surrounding land. After being occupied by the Ghislanzoni family, in the second half of the 20th century, Villa Calchi finally became the residence of Felice Fossati Bella, a textile industrialist. With the help of architect Gualtiero Galmanini, he renovated the entire complex, restoring the dwelling to its former glory.
Villa Calchi: the perfect setting for a traditional wedding
After the careful restoration in the second half of the 20th century, Villa Calchi is now a charming mansion, ideal for hosting private and corporate events. Rich in unique and versatile spaces, the structure will be the perfect setting for organizing traditional and princely weddings.
Perched on the hills of the province of Lecco, Villa Calchi enjoys a breathtaking view of the romantic Lake Sartirana. Walking through the park, you can admire this picturesque panorama from the spacious terraces, creating a fairy-tale wedding shoot. This bucolic setting will also be the perfect backdrop for solemn civil ceremonies, legally celebrated here.
The extensive garden surrounding the main building will then welcome every moment of your reception. In the summer, you can serve your cocktails and banquets directly here, setting up the area freely. From a shabby chic wedding to a more glamorous one, every desire can be realized.
If you are looking for a more exclusive setting, Villa Calchi also offers its indoor Halls to the newlyweds. All different in size and style, these spaces are ready to fill your eyes with wonder. The historic Sala d'Armi, with its lively stone walls, will be the ideal backdrop for rustic and traditional banquets. The more elegant Sala del Lago, on the other hand, will impeccably host chic and refined receptions.
Villa Calchi is truly the perfect setting for a princely wedding, a must for the most demanding couples. If you love art, culture, and nature, you will not be disappointed and will forever have a sweet memory of your wedding at Villa Calchi.
Villa Calchi: the structure of the venue
The splendid Villa Calchi is a 16th-century structure, built in perfect Lombard Renaissance style. Located on top of a hill, the mansion boasts a breathtaking view of the nature reserve of Lake Sartirana. It is a majestic building with two rectangular wings, connected to two smaller cottages, forming an internal courtyard.
Surrounded by a vast centuries-old park of over 10 hectares, Villa Calchi features a romantic English garden, equipped with a modern pool and numerous terraces. These overlook the property's vineyards and host summer aperitifs and buffets for up to about 180 guests.
The main building, on the other hand, houses numerous halls and lounges inside, spread over an area of over 1500 square meters. All finely decorated and frescoed, these are made available to the staff for the organization of private and corporate events. In particular, couples wishing to celebrate their weddings here can choose from:
- The Sala delle Colonne is a rectangular hall with a charming pointed vault depicting an interweaving of fronds and numerous painted columns on the side walls.
- The Sala d'Armi is a spacious hall of about 125 square meters, with a barrel vault in stone and a capacity of about 120/130 guests.
- The Sala del Lago, connected to the Sala d'Armi, is dominated by a luxurious ancient oak floor and can accommodate up to 130 seated people.
- The Sala del Liocorno, a square-shaped room with a refined umbrella frescoed vault, opens on the two upper terraces overlooking the lake.
Villa Calchi is truly a magical, luxurious, and princely place. Organizing your wedding here means living a dream with your eyes wide open. If you are looking for an exclusive and glamorous location, it will not disappoint you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Calchi
- Where is Villa Calchi located? Villa Calchi is located in Calco Superiore - Vescogna in the province of Lecco. The structure overlooks Lake Sartirana directly.
- Can I celebrate my wedding inside Villa Calchi? Certainly. You can organize the photoshoot and reception inside the structure and in all adjoining areas. The entire complex is exclusively dedicated to your celebration. Also, you can celebrate your official civil ceremony here.
- Is there a restaurant inside Villa Calchi? The villa has a catering kitchen but no internal catering service. Therefore, you can freely choose the professionals to rely on or seek advice from the staff of the residence.
- What events can be celebrated at Villa Calchi? Inside Villa Calchi, you can organize your most important celebrations. The structure is open to weddings and private events. You can also organize your meetings, conventions, gala dinners, and training courses here.
- Can Villa Calchi host business meetings? Certainly. Villa Calchi provides its spaces for the organization of events and conventions. It is a luxury location, suitable for exclusive parties and high-end companies.
- Can I stay overnight at Villa Calchi? The structure does not provide internal rooms for the newlyweds. However, you can find several hotels and apartments in the adjacent areas where you can stay overnight.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding photos in Lake Como, don't forget to count on the right wedding photographer.
He will capture the emotions of that day and turn them into memories you will cherish forever.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Lake Como, or are still considering wedding venues, take a look at our wedding photography galleries.
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CIAO! è UN PIACERE CONOSCERTI, SONO
MATTEO
E SONO UN FOTOGRAFO
DI MATRIMONI
Oltre a essere un fotografo di matrimoni, sono un marito (fortunato!) e un papà (superfortunato!).
Amo le scodinzolate piene di felicità e le fusa nella penombra della sera, perciò nella nostra famiglia ci sono anche due meravigliose pelose, Ottavia e Nova.
Adoro il profumo dei boschi dove tutto è così selvaggio, dove puoi recuperare le connessioni profonde con la natura. Allo stesso modo amo l'unico mezzo che ti permette di restare fortemente connesso al mondo che ti circonda, la moto.
Io e mia moglie Giulia abbiamo attraversato l'Europa fino ad arrivare a Capo Nord, dove abbiamo lasciato un pezzo del nostro cuore.
