Villino Matricardi

Villino Matricardi is a 1913 Liberty-style residence on Grottammare's seafront, designed by architect Cesare Bazzani for maiolica manufacturer Giuseppe Maria Matricardi.

Why it matters

The villa reflects the transformation of Grottammare from a coastal town into a resort in the early twentieth century. Its architecture combines the work of a prominent architect with decorative ceramics connected to the owner's industrial activity.

What to notice

The seaward facade has tall windows and an arched doorway with stained glass. A rooftop altana is decorated with painted oranges and floral motifs. Maiolica tiles with floral designs line the cornice, while interior paintings and a landscaped garden contribute to the building's Liberty character.

Context and history

Giuseppe Maria Matricardi commissioned the villa from Cesare Bazzani, who designed it as a summer residence. The Adriatic railway reached Grottammare in 1863, and bathing facilities and a seafront promenade followed in the late nineteenth century. The villa was completed on 20 August 1913, during the expansion of seaside residences along the coast.