Villa Sormani, Baroque villa in Moncucco, Brugherio, Italy

Villa Sormani is a residential complex in Brugherio designed with baroque proportions, featuring two uniform stories and a hipped tile roof. A wide staircase leads to the garden-facing entrance, which is framed by columns that define the formal character of the approach.

Architect Giovanni Ruggeri designed the complex in 1733 for Count Charles Joseph Bolagnos, following the architectural style of Milan. The structure was later modified significantly during the 1980s, when its interior was divided into separate residential units for contemporary living.

The Tempietto di San Lucio beside the villa began as the chapel of a Franciscan convent in Lugano. Count Gian Mario Andreani bought it, had it dismantled and carried to Moncucco by wagon and canal, and Giocondo Albertolli oversaw its rebuilding between 1815 and 1832, when it was rededicated to Saint Lucius. It was restored in 1994.

The grounds can be viewed from the outside, with the architectural features and garden layout visible from the entrance area. Visitors should note that the interior is now divided into private residential units and is not open for tours.

The balloon that rose from the villa's park on 13 March 1784 was built by the Gerli brothers: 23 m in diameter, 24 days of work and about 1,300 kg laden. Paolo Andreani flew with two assistants to over 1,500 m while the craft travelled several kilometres; the emperor, who missed the ascent, later had a medal struck with the balloon on one face and Andreani on the other.