A Villa Full of History: From 1500 to Today
Villa Wirnica, set within a 16th-century villa, captures the soul of this landscape, blending elegance with a profound sense of history. Once a monastery, the villa was gifted to the Gnecchi family by Napoleon. The family transformed the villa into a silk factory before eventually making it their beloved residence. Today, this boutique retreat offers five refined suites nestled in a lush park — a serene haven where every detail is crafted for relaxation and sophistication.
From Monastic Sanctuary to Napoleonic Gift
The captivating tale of Wirnica traces its roots back to the times of Napoleon. During his journey through Italy, the commander gifted splendid villas to local nobles and lords. Among these is our villa, a gem nestled in the parish of Garlate, which once served as a refuge for priests and monks. This dwelling, with its rich spiritual past, transformed in the 18th century into a wonderful villa, a gift that Napoleon bestowed upon the Gnecchi family.
The Legacy of Silk: Garlate’s Heritage
Even after receiving the Napoleonic gift, our family continued to reside in a villa dedicated to silk production, as Garlate, overlooking Lake Como, was renowned for its silk manufacturing. This was made possible thanks to the lush mulberry trees and silkworms that thrived in this blessed land. The tradition of silk has been passed down through generations, until the arrival of Chinese silk changed the fortunes of the local industry. However, the villa has always retained its charm, remaining a summer refuge where family members gathered to share unforgettable moments.
A Summer Refuge Through Generations
As time went on, the villa passed into the hands of my great-grandfather Giovanni Gnecchi, who married Angelina. Together, they had many children, who divided the property, keeping it alive as a cherished summer residence. Our story continued to intertwine with that of the villa, until the war years when my grandfather, who had started a metal fittings business, faced economic difficulties. During that time, his only supporter was my grandfather Luigi, and so the villa eventually came into the hands of my father and then to us.
Matriarchal Management: The Modern Rebirth
The management of our beloved villa has always been matriarchal, uniting three generations of women: my mother, myself, and my daughter Guia, who today assists me in this adventure. In 2019, we decided to breathe new life into this historic dwelling by transforming our summer retreat into a charming boutique vacation home, now known as “Wirnica.”
The villa is not just a place, but a symbol of love and tradition, where every corner tells stories of affection and precious memories. Our connection to it is a deep bond that renews with each season, making our story even more special, and ready to welcome guests seeking an exclusive historical event venue near Lake Como.