Abandoned Villa Zanelli is a fantastic, wonderful, and enchanting place. It truly exudes magic, nestled by the sea. When you observe it from afar, you cannot help but be enraptured; it stands as the symbol of architectural beauty, being one of the most significant Art Nouveau masterpieces in Italy.
Built in 1907 by the long-serving captain Nicolò Zanelli, Villa Zanelli is located in a vast garden communicating with the sea. It remained in the Zanelli family’s possession until 1933 when it was sold to the municipality of Milan. They transformed it into a campsite and international colony. During the Second World War, it served as a hospital camp; traces of the red crosses on the external walls are still visible as remnants of this period. Since 1967, thanks to the region’s efforts, it has been utilized as a facility for treating heart patients by the USL. However, in 1998, part of the building collapsed, leading to the closure of the hospital for safety reasons pending restoration. Through an analysis of the stylistic elements, it has been determined that the villa was designed by Gottardo Gussoni and Pietro Fenoglio, two of the most significant architects of the Italian Liberty style.
It is owned by the Liguria region and has been in a state of abandonment for over 20 years, specifically since 1998 when part of the roof collapsed due to neglect. There have been discussions about restoration and safety for some time, but the situation remains unresolved. When will the restoration of Villa Zanelli take place?
