The Villa Argentina is considered the best example of modernist architecture in Viareggio. After a long restoration, the villa was recently opened for exhibitions and other events.
Address: Via Fratti,44 – Arezzo. Tel. +39 0584 1647600. Opening hours: From 10.00 till 13.00 and from 15.00 till 18.00 hours. Closed: Mondays. Admission: Free.
History and description
Hall of Mirrors
The Villa Argentina was built in the early 20th century. In 1926, the owner decided to expand an already existing structure from 1868.
After World War II, the building was turned into a guesthouse. In 1980, the guesthouse went into bankruptcy. It was completely abandoned and left to decay, till the city acquired and restored it. The inauguration of the new Villa Argentina took place in 2015.
The facade of the building is characterized by modernist decorations and ceramics by Galileo Chini. The ornamental layout and colors are inspored by the traditional motifs of Renaissance majolica. Details show checkerboard motifs, alternated by cupids and plant motifs.
The hall on the ground floor is decorated with a “Persian Wedding” tryptich that covers an entire wall. Giuseppe Biasi painted this work in 1930, for the owners of the building. This hall is called the Sala degli Specchi (“Room of Mirrors”).
Curiosities
The building owes its name to the roots of its owner, Francesca Racca Oytana, who was of Argentinian origin.
The garden of the villa contains numerous Argentinian plants, including the cockspur coral tree, which is the symbol of the country.
