Villa Marchese del Grillo

Aerial view
South entry
North entry
Alberto Sordi Great Room

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 located 5 km 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 surrounded by a 4-hectare park full of centuries-old Linden trees. One wing of the villa contains a chapel. A second building to the north, called the Locanda (the former "Guardian House of the Marquise") includes a restaurant.

History

Villa Marchese Del Grillo was built in a style reminiscent of the historical Marchigiani Villas[1] in 1771 at the behest of the Marquise Onofrio del Grillo. The Marquise was born in Fabriano in 1714 and worked at the Papal Court in Rome after studying in Urbino.[6] The Marquise was also a high Papal dignitary, holding the title Marquis of Santa Cristina, and Count of Portula. Word of his colossal jokes and eccentric character spread throughout the world, making him a famous Italian legend.[7]

After years of restoration, this landmark became known as the The Pearl of Central Italy [8] for its history, lavish fabrics, antique furniture, and artistic conception.

The elliptical staircase is made of brick embellished with fake marble decorations and starts on the ground floor, with two identical ramps connecting this level with the noble floor. All lighting is enhanced by Swarovski crystals.

A modern elevator has been installed on the left wing of the palace, running from the ground floor to the top floor.

The Great Room of the Villa was named after Alberto Sordi for his starring role in the movie Il Marchese del Grillo, which was filmed at this location. Currently, this Salon is used only for exclusive events.

The suites are located on The Noble Floor (the second floor). To access a suite, one enters through the “Noble Doors,” found at each corner on the Noble Floor and made of Italian walnut wood and 24-carat-gold leaf. Named after their primary masters: Marchese Del Grillo Suite, Duca Suite, and Contessa Suite, decorated with stucco, they are designed to represent each of their personalities.

In the Master Bathroom of the Marchese Del Grillo Suite stand four wardrobes that represent the four seasons. There is one faux double door where each of Marquise’s lovers escaped through a secret passageway. The secret passageway is currently closed for security purposes.

The exterior flooring is constructed from sandstone on the terrace of the South Entrance of the Villa, and brick and Serena Stone on the patio of the North Entrance,[1][9]

Eco Sustainable landmark

When it comes to environmental sustainability, Villa Marchese Del Grillo has been updated to use renewable energy. Additionally, they specially treat their hazardous waste. In 2015, a wood chip boiler was installed to warm the rooms and produce hot water, generating savings on annual heating costs of up to 75%. Furthermore, all windows have been replaced to meet new energy saving standards.[10]

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 grandeur.

The Marquis had close relations with the Vatican and the Pope. Because of this, the chapel is rich with a remarkable collection of Christian relics such as those of Saint Potenziana, Saint Ruffina and Saint Vincenzo Martire. The final resting place of St. August was also there. He was found hidden behind the wall, preserved from the German invasion.[11]

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 primarily for private events.

References

  1. 1 2 3 as described by the Architect Ilaria Marchesi. Fabriano, Le Marche. Italy.
  2. ↑ "Biography of the Marquise Onofrio Del Grillo". Treccani.it. Dizionario Biografico Italiano.
  3. ↑ leggilo.net, author Valentina
  4. ↑ radio gold fabriano
  5. ↑ corriere di ancona (Italian Newspaper
  6. ↑ Italian Press (Il Centro, La Repubblica, Il Tempo) filmtv.it
  7. ↑ 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
  8. ↑ "Lago d'Iseo: The Pearl of Italy's Lake District". 2016-06-22. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  9. ↑ Corriere di Ancona, Italian Newspaper
  10. ↑ Agriforenergy magazine, by Mauro Aguda
  11. ↑ The interview to Lanfranco D'Alesio

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