For sale Villa-House in Parma Emilia Romagna Parma Italy

Torre del Borriano (Borriano Tower)
Historic court dating from the mid-16th century, of historic interest and scenic beauty, on the hills surrounding the city of Parma.

Constructed as a complex of buildings around the court and surrounded by a peripheral wall, the property is composed of a chapel, manor house, service quarters of the last gamekeeper, the farmhouse of the farm manager, and other farm-related rustic monuments, and it is surrounded by a generous spread of land.

History

“Torre del Borriano” describes a complex of rustic edifices and agricultural lands located in the hamlet of San Vitale Baganza in the municipality of Sala Baganza.

Its advantageous position near the mountains Bastia and Palero reveals that it could have originally been an observational outpost over the surrounding territories of the Baganza Valley, as well as a defensive bulwark. Since it was visible from the main streets running the course of the Baganza river, the “Torre” (which as of 1802 includes the Chapel) served as a secure reference point for merchants and travelers along the major passageway of Francigena Route. At that time, the Francigena Route linked northern Italy to southern France, serving as an important axis of commerce and pilgrimage between Rome and sanctuaries located on the other side of the Alps.

The building complex consists of four distinct bodies: the Manor House; the “Torre”; the “House of the Hunters”; the Farmhouse; and the Chapel, all united by the peripheral wall which contains two openings into the interior courtyard.

The “Tower” has always been the residence of the landlord’s family: it was built in a position clearly elevated compared to the other edifices, accessed from the central piazza by a small, spiral staircase. Its plan is very articulated, with two basements nowadays adapted as wine cellars and storage rooms, the ground floor dedicated to daily activities, the second level serving as bedchambers and with the attic level including servant quarters. The basement and wine cellars are united by a well that descends below the lowest floor to form the icebox.

The “House of Hunters” was originally used to shelter the proprietor’s horses and carriages. It directly faces the court, and is located above a small hayloft with the horse-stables to its right. The other rooms were used for storage and as lodging for the stable-hands. Of particular interest is the open passage that connects the kitchen of the “Torre” to the first floor of the “House of the Hunters,” allowing the proprietor direct access to the stables.

The manor house with its stables and haylofts was used by the farmers who cultivated its vast surrounding lands.
The main entrance to the Chapel faces south, outside the peripheral wall, and it was accessible to Devotees from neighboring villages.

Contact:
Phone:+39 339 or +39 347
E-mail: oreste.