Villa La Voglina Turin, Italy

VILLA LA VOGLINA

TURIN, ITALY

The former residence of Filippo Juvarra, King of Sicily, a classic 18th Century Baroque Villa and Estate by Renowned Architect Filippo Juvarra, also used as Napoleon’s headquarters for the battle of Marengo.

Built in the first of half of the 18th century by world famous Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra, Villa La Voglina is situated near the once capital city of Turin and at the heart of one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, Piemonte, or Piedmont.

Filippo Juvarra designed the Villa following his appointment in 1714 by the King of Sicily and Piemonte. The monarch hoped to, with the architect’s skills, elevate Turin into a Royal capital, by designing and building a vast range of churches, lodges, palaces, and villas, as well as planning large new areas of the expanding city. During this time and until Juvarras death in 1736 he produced sixteen palaces, eight churches, urban planning projects, interior

decoration and designs for furniture and church ornaments. The architect’s output was prolific and in addition to the Royal and public works he also designed a number grand villas in the region, of which Villa La Voglina is a prime example of his work and unique style.

The church bell on site indicates that the church was consecrated in 1776 when it became a convent. In 1800 Napoleon used Villa La Voglina as his headquarters for the Battle of Marengo. Apparently as a ‘thank you’ to the French ancestors of the owner, he ordered captured Austrian troops to build the current terrace, lay traditional Habsburg black and white diagonal tiles in all three entrance halls and create three black and white marble staircases, that still grace the central property today.

Approached via a private drive, wrought iron gates and a classic arch lead through to a grand courtyard, around which the main villa is arranged, with a secondary building to the rear.

It is in the reception rooms of Villa La Voglina that the work of Filippo Juvarra is so predominant, providing grand and distinct designs, with ornamental detailing. Barrelvaulted spaces and ceilings, frescoed arches and plaster work are all present in the main reception rooms and principal bedrooms which were key aspects of his work. Surrounding the villa are beautiful formal gardens, terraces, and parkland. The scale of the estate ensures complete privacy for the owners.