On Monday, April 6th, for Easter Monday, the Augusto Rancilio Foundation reopens the splendid Villa Arconati-FAR (Castellazzo di Bollate, MI) to the public.
A special edition celebrating the tenth anniversary of the historic ''royal villa'' in Castellazzo: a perfect day to spend with family or friends, immersed in the timeless beauty of Milan's so-called ''Little Versailles.''
A fun and engaging experience for the little ones!
The Villa is home to Argo, the clumsy peacock who, on Easter Monday, lost some of his precious possessions among the fountains, statues, and theaters in the park.
Children, along with their families, will be led on a treasure hunt through the most evocative corners of the garden, discovering nature, history, and curiosities.
Activity Details:
👧 Ages: 4-10 years
⏱ Duration: approximately 75 minutes
🕒 Times: 11:15 am and 3:00 pm
🌧 In case of bad weather: activity replaced with a visit to the Palace
🎟 Free for children (4-10 years)
👨👩👧 Adults: admission + guided tour 16.00
The Treasures of the ''Royal Villa'' of Castellazzo
Located in the heart of the Groane Park, a few kilometers from Milan, Villa Arconati is one of the most fascinating examples of a villa of delight for the Milanese aristocracy.
Its history begins in 1610 with Galeazzo Arconati, who transformed a simple rural building into a sumptuous residence, destined to become one of the most important noble residences in Lombardy.
New for 2026: the Celestial Bedroom
Among this season's new additions, it will be possible to visit the recently restored Celestial Bedroom.
Overlooking the Noble Courtyard, the room dates back to the 18th century and was intended for the most illustrious guests. A refined space, it features:
A perfect example of the Villa's 18th-century elegance and taste.
The Wonders of the Palace
With its 10,000 square meters and over 70 rooms, Villa Arconati is a true palace.
Among the most fascinating rooms:
On the ground floor:
A Unique Monumental Garden
The park of Villa Arconati extends over 12 hectares and is one of the rare examples in Lombardy of a historic garden that preserves both the Italianate and French layouts.
Among its most evocative features:
A special edition celebrating the tenth anniversary of the historic ''royal villa'' in Castellazzo: a perfect day to spend with family or friends, immersed in the timeless beauty of Milan's so-called ''Little Versailles.''
A fun and engaging experience for the little ones!
The Villa is home to Argo, the clumsy peacock who, on Easter Monday, lost some of his precious possessions among the fountains, statues, and theaters in the park.
Children, along with their families, will be led on a treasure hunt through the most evocative corners of the garden, discovering nature, history, and curiosities.
Activity Details:
👧 Ages: 4-10 years
⏱ Duration: approximately 75 minutes
🕒 Times: 11:15 am and 3:00 pm
🌧 In case of bad weather: activity replaced with a visit to the Palace
🎟 Free for children (4-10 years)
👨👩👧 Adults: admission + guided tour 16.00
The Treasures of the ''Royal Villa'' of Castellazzo
Located in the heart of the Groane Park, a few kilometers from Milan, Villa Arconati is one of the most fascinating examples of a villa of delight for the Milanese aristocracy.
Its history begins in 1610 with Galeazzo Arconati, who transformed a simple rural building into a sumptuous residence, destined to become one of the most important noble residences in Lombardy.
New for 2026: the Celestial Bedroom
Among this season's new additions, it will be possible to visit the recently restored Celestial Bedroom.
Overlooking the Noble Courtyard, the room dates back to the 18th century and was intended for the most illustrious guests. A refined space, it features:
- decorations in light blue and gold
- elegant Baroque stucco
- a precious blue velvet canopy bed
A perfect example of the Villa's 18th-century elegance and taste.
The Wonders of the Palace
With its 10,000 square meters and over 70 rooms, Villa Arconati is a true palace.
Among the most fascinating rooms:
- Hall of Phaeton, with frescoes by the Galliari Brothers
- Ballroom, with mirrors and gilded decorations
- Apartment of the Seasons, with the Zodiac Room
- Women's Wing, with a private chapel and alcove
On the ground floor:
- Gypsotheca, with an extraordinary Roman statue from the 1st century AD
- Arconati Library, with over 2,000 ancient volumes
- Funeral Chamber of Gaston de Foix, rebuilt in 2023
- Stables, inspired by the studies of Leonardo da Vinci
A Unique Monumental Garden
The park of Villa Arconati extends over 12 hectares and is one of the rare examples in Lombardy of a historic garden that preserves both the Italianate and French layouts.
Among its most evocative features:
- the Diana Theatre
- the Grand Theatre with fountains and stage sets
- the Labyrinth reconstructed from eighteenth-century engravings
- the Aviary with peacocks
- the majestic French parterre