Villa Sormani: The Pioneering Italian Hot-Air Balloon Site and Home to a Swiss

Villa Sormani: The Pioneering Italian Hot-Air Balloon Site and Home to a Swiss

Uncover the historical significance of Villa Sormani, the pioneering location of the first Italian hot-air balloon flight and its unusual occupant - a church transported from Switzerland.

Villa Sormani, situated in Brugherio, Italy, was built in 1733 by Milanese architect Giovanni Ruggeri for Count Charles Joseph Bolagnos. In the 18th century, the villa was owned by the Andreani family and was the locale of the first Italian hot-air balloon flight. The villa grounds today house Saint Lucius Church, which was moved from Switzerland by the Andreani family. The current owners or tenants of Villa Sormani remain unspecified in any sources.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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