Ville Liberty di Sarnico (Villa Giuseppe Faccanoni e Villa Surre)

Sarnico's Liberty villas preserve the Faccanoni family's architectural patronage on Lake Iseo. Giuseppe Sommaruga's designs combine sculptural building forms, elaborate decoration and a close relationship with their gardens and lakeside setting.

Why it matters

The commissions brought a distinctive form of Italian Art Nouveau to the town. Architecture, sculpture and metalwork were conceived together, giving the residences a character extending beyond their individual facades.

What to notice

Villa Giuseppe Faccanoni, designed in 1907, has asymmetrical volumes, bow windows and varied rooflines. Sarnico and Credaro stone contrast with ceramics and floral cement reliefs by Ernesto Bàzzaro. Alessandro Mazzucotelli's wrought iron contributes gates and railings. Animal motifs in the garden include turtles, snails and more exotic creatures.

Context and history

Giuseppe Faccanoni, like his brothers Pietro and Luigi, commissioned Sommaruga for a residence at Sarnico. His villa preceded Villa Surre, while a monumental family mausoleum formed another part of the family's patronage. Successive drawings for Giuseppe's house show the design evolving from an initial tower and domed elements towards its final form.