Passing through the small door from via Manzoni leads visitors into the inner courtyard of the expansive 17th-century Villa Pozzi complex, consisting of Villa Gadda (former Testori De Capitani) and the outbuildings closely linked to the village’s historical centre. Nestled in a sizeable park sloping towards the lake, the Villa offers splendid views of the mountains stretching beyond the Bergamo shoreline.
The Villa itself is a long, two-storey building featuring rectangular windows cut in the surface of the plasterwork, adorned with a beautiful balustrade motive above the entrance, enriched with wrought iron parapets.
A lengthy colonnaded portico guides visitors into the courtyard, unveiling paintings that testify to the discerning tastes of the owners. Notably, the vault of the ground-floor hall depicts a series of frescoes by Cherubino Cornienti, illustrating five scenes portraying the splendours of Prometheus.
The large park is home to various trees including Lebanese and Atlas cedars, magnolias, redwoods, holm oaks, hornbeams and maples. Situated in the far south-west corner stands the 19th-century porter’s lodge adorned with captivating terracotta decorations. The Testori family has always had a strong connection with Garlate. Originally silk weavers and Venetion by origin, the Testoris redeemed Garlate in 1671 by paying 100 gold ducats to the King of Spain.
