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Villa Melchiori: Ferrara's Art Nouveau masterpiece

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Ferrara reclaims one of its most fascinating architectural jewels: Villa Melchiori, a splendid example of Art Nouveau located on viale Cavour (which used to be the Panfilio canal), has reopened its doors after careful conservative restoration. This villa, one of the most photographed in the city, represents an important piece of local history not only for its architecture but also for the role it played in the cultural and social fabric of 20th century Ferrara.
Designed by engineer Ciro Contini and embellished with sculptural decorations by Arrigo Minerbi, Villa Melchiori embodies the charm and elegance of Ferrara's Liberty style. Inaugurated in 1904 by flower growers Ferdinando Melchiori and Giuseppina Marchi, the villa has withstood the passage of time and the vicissitudes of history, including the bombings of World War II. Thanks to recent restoration work, which began in 2021, the decorative elements that make the villa unique - such as the famous round glass door and the delicate wrought-iron grilles - have returned to their original splendour.

A unique opportunity to rediscover a hidden treasure

On 30 July, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of its construction, Villa Melchiori will once again open its doors for an exclusive event. Lucky visitors will be able to explore the gardens and admire a special videomapping projected onto the facade of the villa, providing a unique experience that mixes history and technology.
This event marks the rebirth of one of the city's most important Art Nouveau monuments, a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the elegant atmosphere of the early 20th century, between art and architecture. And for those who wish to delve deeper, the book ‘Villa Melchiori, the masterpiece of Ferrara Art Nouveau’ by Lucio Scardino traces the history of this extraordinary residence, offering a complete overview of its construction, its decorations and the personalities that made it iconic.

A symbol of rebirth and beauty for Ferrara

Besides being an architectural monument of great value, Villa Melchiori is also a symbol of Ferrara's ability to preserve and enhance its heritage. Located on Viale Cavour, the villa stands as a witness to the city's glorious past, surrounded by other historic residences that make it a true open-air museum of Art Nouveau. If you are unable to be present at the reopening event, don't worry: .Villa Melchiori remains a treasure to be admired even from the outside, but who knows that in the future it might not become a meeting place for artists and culture enthusiasts!