It is one of the most important Pnrr projects underway in Varese. The redevelopment of Villa Baragiola began with the first interventions this spring and will be completed by March 2026. Two years of work for an amount of 12 million to give new functions to the ancient residence of Masnago and the adjacent buildings. In the last session of the Public Works Commission, councilor Andrea Civati took stock of the objectives and details of the planned works. The main part of the intervention is that relating to the construction of housing intended for social housing services. 23 new units will be created, including studios and two-room apartments, with surfaces between 28 and 56 square meters each. Living spaces designed for temporary use, which will interact with the other functions planned in the area. “The meaning of the project – explains Civati – is to integrate living with different services: in this case cultural services that strengthen the Masnago neighbourhood”.
Among the various properties in the complex that will be worked on, there is the historic villa, where a museum will be created in collaboration with a foundation that owns works of contemporary art and photography. Three other accommodations will be built inside, intended for young artists who will collaborate with the museum. In the building facing the square there will be medical clinics on the ground floor and multifunctional spaces linked to social services on the first floor. The administration’s challenge is therefore precisely to make multiple realities coexist. “It is one of the aspects that was most appreciated during the evaluation by the ministerial commission – says the councilor – the multifunctionality allows control, vitality and respectful use”.
Inside the villa, historical features will be preserved, such as the winter garden which will house the museum’s café-buvette. Therefore a connection will be opened between the villa and the heart of Masnago through Piazza Ferrucci, with routes accessible to all. As regards the park, the recovery of the ancient aviary is planned and the orchard spaces will be improved. With greater attendance, more parking will be needed: the Municipality is working on a solution to recover a private space in front of the Masnago church.
