Our heritage

CAMPANIS BAGNARIE

Nestled in the rolling Perugian hills, just above the river Caina, lies Bagnaia, a charming village of just 400 inhabitants with centuries of history. First recorded in 1258 as Villa Campanis Bagnarie, it soon evolved from a modest rural community into a fortified castrum with walls and towers. Over the years, Bagnaia witnessed battles and sieges, including the conflict of 1365 that resulted in the founding of the Church of San Nicolò, and the assault by Braccio Fortebraccio da Montone in 1416.

With the return of peace in the 16th century, the fortress gradually shed its defensive role, its towers turned into bell towers and its walls opened with doors and windows. Transformed into an elegant noble residence. In 1578, the property was entrusted to Girolamo di Marco Aurelio, marking a new chapter in the village’s long story.

THE
ARMANNI
FAMILY

A JOURNEY THROUGH GENERATIONS

Count Enrico Armanni, descendant of a distinguished Trentino family, carried with him a legacy of culture and service. Among his ancestors was Virgilio, a prominent figure in ecclesiastical circles, alongside many others who earned recognition throughout the centuries. While serving in London on a committee for post war debts, Enrico met the Norwegian pianist Hedvig Lovenskiold, who was in the city to pursue her musical studies. Their meeting soon blossomed into marriage and led them to Umbria, where they were captivated by this villa set amidst the landscapes once cherished by Perugino.

Together, they restored the residence with dedication and and an eye to the future. The access road was redesigned to connect harmoniously with the seventeenth century outbuildings, the villa’s interiors were restored and modernized, and the gardens regained their former splendor. Hedvig devoted particular care to the estate’s layout, transforming the grounds with elegance and balance. Enrico’s son, Leopoldo Ricciotti, later inherited the property, preserving it with the same devotion while opening part of it to hospitality.

Today, the villa stands as a beautifully preserved residence, admired for its graceful architecture and enchanting gardens, a timeless sanctuary in the heart of Umbria.

The garden

Art and nature blend harmoniously across the estate, creating gardens of rare beauty and refined complexity. At the center, the Italian garden surrounds the eighteenth-century villa with symmetrical rose beds, aromatic borders, and classical fountains. Meandering paths lead through open lawns, secluded corners, and a labyrinthine garden centered around a statue of Diana, where topiary and sculpted hedges shape serene moments of discovery.

Two intersecting avenues define expansive parterres, culminating in a grand rondeau with a stone seahorse fountain encircled by giant yew trees. The gardens extend gracefully, linking front and rear spaces, while high hedges conceal a swimming pool perfectly integrated into the landscape. Antique terracotta urns, pruned boxwoods, benches, and water features invite leisurely exploration.

The palace

Palazzo di Bagnaia is proud to be part of the Umbrian section of the Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane, founded in 1977.

A.D.S.I. brings together owners of historic estates across Italy, promoting the preservation, enhancement, and public appreciation of the nation’s architectural and artistic heritage.

As a member, Palazzo di Bagnaia contributes to the safeguarding of Italy’s cultural legacy, while opening its doors to visitors and guests in a spirit of hospitality. The association plays a vital role in fostering awareness and understanding of historic residences, ensuring that these treasures continue to be cherished for future generations.

A PROUD MEMBER OF A.D.S.I.