VILLA FERIANI
The history of Villa Feriani and the Gentilizia Chapel which is set within the estate, spans over more than 3 centuries of local history.
The central structure of Villa Feriani was built during the 1600s at the behest of the Garzadori family. This local noble family hailed from Vicenza, but over the years it was passed onto a noble family from Verona, the Noris family, who let it fall into a state of neglect and ruin. The Noris family ultimately sold the property on to Giacomo Grancara in 1846, and the following year, in 1847, the estate was finally handed down to his nephew Giuseppe di Francesco Feriani.
The villa has since then continued to remain within the Feriani family, under whose guardianship it has been lovingly restored. The baton of responsibility for this important legacy has most recently been handed over to us, the current generation of the Feriani Family: Giulia and Giovanni. We still live on the estate with our large family and we have chosen to share our precious heritage with the public, together with the Borgo. We believe it to be the perfect retreat for people looking for the rest and tranquillity that only country life can offer.
The Villa is not currently open to individuals or groups.
However, on specific days, the chapel which is set in the grounds of the estate and which is described below, is open to members of the public.
THE GENTILIZIA CAPEL OF VILLA FERIANI
The Gentilizia Chapel is one of the estates veritable treasures and never fails to fascinate our guests.
The structure, erected by the Garzadori family, was consecrated in 1700, as the commemorative plaque inside bears testament to. The building has an octagonal base in typical Baroque style. The exterior is finely adorned with vegetable festoons and other decorative elements. The interior is divided into two wings, each with an altar of exquisite workmanship – one dedicated to St. Francis, the other to the Madonna della Misericordia. The interior decorations are also in Baroque style. One of the peculiarities of the structure lies in the ingenious use of space- with the sacristy, the choir and other rooms excavated out of a hollow within the octagon that represents the centre of the Chapel.
The Gentilizia Chapel can only be visited on special occasions and is open to the community of Colzé during the celebrations of the patronal feast.
