The Manson
Exploring Villa Talonat Volta Reno
Originally named Palazzo della Volta (The Palace on the Bend), at Volta Reno in Argelato, it obviously took its name from this feature of the ancient Reno River, which was not deviated until the 18th century. The origins of the villa are rather obscure, due to the complexities of hereditary law in which it was involved starting from in 1500. Over a period of barely 50 years, it was owned by three different families of Bologna: Manzoli, Isolani and Sampieri.
The Manzoli family purchase the first portion of land at the Volta around the middle of the 15th century. There may have already been a structure there – possibly a fortress – but this is only a hypothesis.
From the 16th to the 18th century
In 1525, Antonia Isolani married Francesco I Sampieri, with Palazzo della Volta as part of her dowry, along with other properties. Until then, only a few improvements had been made to the 15th century complex, including an extension of the gardens behind the main entrance, where the bend in the Reno river was located. The river always played an important role for the family. The Sampieris, in fact, had another villa, beneath the hill of St. Luke’s at Casalecchio, which was reached navigating the Reno river, from the Bend to the Lock.
In 1578, the villa was enlarged and restructured. It was during this period that the precious, imposing frescoes were commissioned, to adorn the ground floor and give the Villa the atmosphere of elegance and refinement that characterizes it to this day.
Other works were done in succeeding years to add to the beauty of the property, including a major remodelling project in the 18th century, which added the third story, completing the imposing mansion as we see it today.
From Palazzo Sampierito Villa Talon Sampieri
In 1849, Carolina Sampieri wedded Denis Victor Talon, and since then, Palazzo Sampieri has been known as Villa Talon Sampieri.
Over the centuries, Villa Talon at Volta Reno has seen many illustrious guests, artists and composers, even popes and kings, celebrated names like Pope Julius II, King Victor Emanuel III, Gioacchino Rossini and Ottorino Respighi.
The splendidfrescoed halls
Villa Talon possesses a unique, priceless artistic and architecture heritage.
In the Loggia, the paintings tell the story of the architectural evolution of the Villa and of the great lawns that surround it, which served as pastures and paddocks until the middle of the 19th century, for the horses that were the great passion and tradition of the Talon-Sampieri family. The other large, airy rooms of the Villa contain mythological representations and views of the surrounding landscape, with scenes of hunting, for example, to enrich the experience of anyone who had the privilege of being invited to this extraordinary estate.
The perfect settingfor every typeof event
Villa Talon, a historic estate established in the 16th century, surrounded by a vast estate park that is hundreds of years old and occupies more than 25 acres, is a fascinating place. With its large, elegant spaces, indoors and out, it is adaptable to the needs and desires of the clients and their guests.
From concerts to exhibitions, from gala receptions to wedding banquets, from business meetings to seminars, including every type of entertainment and cultural events, Villa Talon is the perfect location to accommodate them.
The halls of the Villa can contain up to 500 people for a buffet, a cocktail party or a coffee break, and can seat up to 250 people for a conference or an elegant dinner. In addition, the halls of the Villa can be set up for a buffet while other parts of the event go on outside.