Centuries of History
History
The Personali Family History
The Personali family, owners of the villa, have a long and rich history. They’ve been living in the Emilia Romagna region since the 13th century, long before Christopher Columbus’ voyage to America.
Timeline
1100s to 1200
In the 1100s, during the reign of Federico Barbarossa, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire the Personali family lived in Germany and took part in the Holy Crusades.
In the same century, the “Sons of Manfredo” from which the Pico family derived, built a Ghibelline tower near Modena – which would later become the current Villa La Personala.
1200s to 1300
Midway through the 1200s, they crossed the Alps and resettled in northern Italy, specifically in Bedulita, within the municipality of Bergamo, nestled in the beautiful Imagna Valley.
During their stay in Bedulita, they founded the small village known as “Case di Personé”, and their noble status was elevated to “counts” by the Emperor Arrigo VIII of Luxembourg, a figure notably mentioned in Dante Alighieri’s “Paradiso” in the “Divine Comedy.”
1300s to 1400
By the end of the 1300s, the Counts of Mirandola gave the tower and land to the Personali Counts. It was surrounded by a moat with a drawbridge which was then conjoined with new buildings that made up the villa.
1472
The family settled in San Giacomo Roncole of Mirandola in 1472.
During this time, they integrated into the upper class of Modena society, establishing a close relationship with the influential Pico family, after whom the Mirandola Castle is named.
THE NICKNAME
Villa La Personala
The nickname “La Personala” came from the surname of the Counts who owned the villa, and it was only later, around the 20th century, that they joined with the noble house of Ferri hence the addition of its surname. The house soon became a place for nobility, and a landmark for the local community.
Tower, Chapel, Tunnels, Earthquake to Today
the tower
The Heart of the Villa
The oldest part of the villa is the tower which was constructed in the 1100s with “Ghibelline battlements”, often referred to as “peep hole windows,” which served an important purpose. They allowed defenders to stand tall, unflinching, while maintaining a protective vantage point from their enemies. This facet of the villa’s history not only reflects the ingenuity of its era but also embodies the courage and resilience that characterized that time.
Over the years, the villa underwent remarkable transformations, and two buildings were built on both sides of the ancient medieval tower. Every generation that came afterwards, added new elements to the villa such as a fountain, a winery, and gardens – but the tower always remained the heart of the villa.
Today visitors can step into history and experience the past first hand by booking a stay in one of the 11 luxurious suites located within the Medieval tower.
THE CHAPEL
A Place of Devotion
On the picturesque Via Personali, nestled right beside the villa, a hidden gem awaits – the family oratory, a place of devotion dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This quaint sanctuary was crafted during the early 1600s by Count Francesco Personali, driven by necessity because of the considerable distance from the nearest church. Around 1860 it was renewed and blessed from the provost Giuseppe Fei. What started as a personal place of worship later blossomed into a cherished site for joyous celebrations and festive masses.
Throughout the ages, the chapel has witnessed the union of many hearts, with family weddings becoming a cherished tradition. In 1973, Fabrizio and Fiorella exchanged vows within its sacred walls, and the following year, their daughter Angelica was baptized here, carrying on the family’s legacy.
The earthquake in 2012, temporarily rendered this little church, with its distinctive blue roof adorned with golden stars, unusable, but there remains a flicker of hope that one day it will rise anew, standing as a testament to resilience and faith of the family.
Royal Connection
Residence of the Count Fabrizio Ferri Personali
Villa La Personala is the former residence of the Count Fabrizio Ferri Personali, and a place where his noble family lived for many generations.
Enter Prince Eugene of Savoy, a titan of his time and celebrated as one of history’s most accomplished military commanders. This Italo-French field marshal, serving in the formidable army of the Holy Roman Empire, stayed at Villa La Personala, when he took over the town of Mirandola in 1701.
Prince Eugene of Savoy was often regarded as one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most talented kin and was in fact, the emperor’s stepson. The connection between these two extraordinary figures adds a layer of intrigue to the villa’s rich history, offering a glimpse into a world where nobility and military prowess intertwined.
The Earthquake of 2012
Rising from the Ruins
In 2012, a devastating earthquake shook the very foundations of the Emilia Romagna region, sparing none, not even the historic residence of the Personali family, a cherished home for generations. The destructive force of nature left much of the property in ruins, but it couldn’t break the indomitable spirit of the family.
Over the course of a decade, they embarked on a remarkable journey to rebuild, piece by piece. Amidst the rubble, one small but extraordinary artifact survived the earthquake – a statue of the Madonna del Carmelo, a symbol that had been passed down through generations. This enduring relic, became a protector of the family and symbolized the family’s unwavering determination to preserve their heritage.
Angelica Ferri Personali, a member of the family and visionary of the restoration project, wanted to transform Villa La Personala into a versatile hub, where the spaces can be used for special events, cultural gatherings, conferences, business meetings, and initiatives aimed at enriching the local community, especially on the tourism front.
today
Luxury Boutique Hotel
Today, Villa La Personala has been transformed into more than just a family residence; it’s now a luxurious boutique hotel and destination, rich in history, inviting guests from around the world to experience the best of the region.
