VILLA PRATOLA IN SANTO STEFANO DI MAGRA

Villa Pratola, situated in Santo Stefano di Magra within the province of La Spezia, stands as a magnificent testament to 18th-century Baroque architecture. Constructed by the Remedi family of Sarzana, who boasted ancient roots in the Lunigiana region, this stately residence was bestowed the prestigious title of Marquises by Emperor Charles VI in 1720. With its striking design and an abundance of doors and windows with enchanting vistas of the surrounding olive groves and a garden adorned with Mediterranean flora, Villa Pratola offers its visitors a captivating journey back in time, immersing them in the lifestyle and aesthetics of three hundred years ago.

The current owners of Villa Pratola, descendants of the Remedi family, have taken on the ambitious task of completely restoring and modernising the estate. Today, they offer this splendid Villa to discerning visitors who can truly appreciate its picturesque countryside setting for hosting special celebrations and events. Villa Pratola sets the stage for memorable occasions that unfold in its enchanting garden, seamlessly transitioning between indoor rooms and the natural surroundings. This unique blend provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable moments, complemented by the harmonious architectural lines of the historical residence and the fragrant blossoms of the garden. Together, they transport guests back to the era when the property was originally built.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA PRATOLA

Villa Pratola was constructed in the Baroque style in the mid-18th century by the Marquises Remedi of Sarzana, at the foot of the hill on which Ponzano Magra stands, which is now a hamlet of Santo Stefano di Magra in La Spezia. At the time of the Villa's construction, Ponzano was an autonomous village with its own statutes.

The Remedi family, having acquired land and buildings in Ponzano, were deeply dedicated to both local development projects and to enhancing their own home. The construction of the Villa was a significant manifestation of this commitment by the Marquises. They collaborated with artists from nearby Carrara, whom they generously supported, to craft a façade inspired by the architectural styles of 18th-century artistic academies in Rome and created sculptural decorations in marble. In every aspect, this building was a rarity in the Lunigiana region, thanks to its unique architectural innovation.

During the early 19th century, Villa Pratola underwent enhancements with neo-Classical-style embellishments to conform with contemporary architectural trends. In the early 20th century, modifications were made to enable year-round habitation. Over the past decade, the Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration process overseen by the Superintendency for Environmental and Architectural Heritage of Genoa, aimed at modernising its systems and structures and making it suitable for hosting various events while still preserving its historical integrity.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN THE LA SPEZIA REGION

Following its complete restoration and renovation, Villa Pratola Villa Pratola has emerged as an exceptionally prestigious venue in the Magra Valley. It is conveniently located a short distance from the A12/A15 Santo Stefano di Magra motorway exit and is easily accessible from La Spezia, Massa, Carrara, Pontremoli, Forte dei Marmi, Lucca, Genoa and Parma.

Villa Pratola is available for hosting a wealth of events and celebrations:

PRIVATE EVENTS

• Weddings
• Christenings
• Communions
• Birthday parties
• Social luncheons
• Cocktail receptions
• Card tournaments.

CORPORATE AND PUBLIC EVENTS

• Conventions
• Conferences
• Luncheons
• Team-building activities
• Cultural events
• Concerts and art exhibitions
• Trade shows and meetings.

Events at Villa Pratola can be arranged both indoors and within the picturesque garden. The ground floor features three reception rooms, accommodating a maximum of 160 seated guests, while the main hall can comfortably host up to 120 attendees. For larger gatherings, the garden area can accommodate up to 300 guests, with the addition of supplementary structures designed for event purposes. The Villa is easily accessible via standard transportation, making it convenient for the setup of various musical and electronic instruments within its indoor spaces.

Catering services are available to provide refreshments, and Villa Pratola collaborates with a selection of reputable specialised companies as required. Alternatively, guests have the option to choose their preferred catering providers.

Concerts can be arranged in the indoor hall, which boasts excellent acoustics and offers captivating views of the surrounding natural environment. As an added feature for guests, guided tours led by experts in Lunigiana's art and history can be organised to enhance their overall experience at the Villa.

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PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

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Villa Pratola is close to many magnificent places:

• Sarzana, an ancient historic centre hosting various cultural entertainment events (5 km),
• La Spezia, with its beautiful seafront from where boats depart for Palmaria Island and the Cinque Terre, as well as the brand-new Porto Mirabello (12 km),
• Lerici: a small town in the Gulf of La Spezia with its colourful houses, restaurants and beaches (11 km),
• Portovenere: one of the most beautiful locations on the Ligurian coast, also on the Gulf of La Spezia, in the direction of the Cinque Terre (26 km),
• Forte dei Marmi (40 km),
• Carrara, the homeland of marble (25 km),
• Massa, which is rich in valuable monuments from the Baroque-era (30 km),
• Pontremoli, an ancient Lunigiana village (30 km),
• Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore is just 27 km away.