Villa Gomes is a 19th century building located inside the largest and most fascinating public park of Lecco, with wide expanses and lawns surrounded by more than 40 species of trees. It takes the name from its first owner, the Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Gomes, who decided to build the villa in the municipality of Maggianico, a district of Lecco which used to be considered a healthy area and a place where writers and artists would meet in the period of Milanese Scapigliatura.
Today the villa is known as Villa Gomes, but its owner had previously called it Villa Brasilia, in memory of his native country. It was built in a short period of time between 1880-1881 by the architect Attilio Bolla.
The villa is characterized by an eclectic design, presenting a combination of different architectural styles dating back to different periods of times.
It is situated in the centre of the park and its facade with a stepped entrance is not immediate to see when you approach the building. Next to the villa there is a big fountain and you can also find two statues.
Inside the building you can admire ceiling frescoes representing the myth of Pan and Syrinx. During an economic difficult period, Gomes got into debt and was forced to sell the villa and the park to Albert Moldenhauer, who left the heritage to his sons, and later, in 1971, the villa became propriety of the municipality of Lecco. Today the building hosts areas for classical and jazz music lessons, and a music library. In the past the park housed animals and also a tropical landscape, in memory of its first owner Gomes. It’s a perfect place where you can also run and walk.
