The Villa di Geggiano is a neoclassical-style rural palace located on Via di Geggiano 1, in the neighborhood of Pianella of the commune of

Castelnuovo Berardenga Castelnuovo Berardenga is a ''comune'' (municipality) in the province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located about southeast of Florence and about east of Siena. Since 1932 it has been included in the Chianti wine-production area. The ...

, in

province of Siena The province of Siena (, ) is a Provinces of Italy, province in the Tuscany region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Siena. It has 259,826 inhabitants. Geography The province is divided into seven historical areas: * Alta Val d'Elsa * Chian ...

, region of Tuscany, Italy.

History

A farm house at the site has belonged to the Bianchi Bandinelli family since 1527, when it was included in the dowry of Girolama Santi when she was wed to Girolamo Bandinelli. In 1768, in part to celebrate the marriage of Anton Domenico Bianchi Bandinelli with Cecilia Chigi Zondadari, the property was converted into an elegant villa with its private chapel and gardens. The interiors contain frescoes (1768–1779) depicting portraits of the family and friends, and of the seasons painted by Ignazio Moder. The stucco work was by

François Joseph Bosio Baron François Joseph Bosio (19 March 1768 – 29 July 1845) was a Monegasque sculptor who achieved distinction in the first quarter of the nineteenth century with his work for Napoleon and for the restored French monarchy. Biography Born in ...

, and the ''Madonna'' painted for the chapel by Cicori. Further refurbishments were added in the 19th century. The formal Italianate gardens also have architectural elements elaborated by the sculptor Bosio. It includes an outdoor theater used for performances by

Vittorio Alfieri Count Vittorio Amedeo Alfieri (, also , ; 16 January 17498 October 1803) was an Italians, Italian dramatist and poet, considered the "founder of Italian tragedy." He wrote nineteen tragedies, sonnets, satires, and a notable autobiography. Early l ...

, who was a host at the house. The villa is used for weddings, meetings and events, there are also two rental suites on the property. Villa di Geggiano produces their own branded organic olive oil and houses a winery within the grounds.Also derived from Italian wikipedia entry.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geggiano Casternuovo Neoclassical architecture in Tuscany Houses completed in the 18th century Buildings and structures in Castelnuovo Berardenga Villas in the Province of Siena 18th-century architecture in Italy