In Ranica, the XIX Century Villa Camozzi is the headquarter of the Clinical Research Centre for Rare Diseases “Aldo e Cele Daccò” and the Pharmacological Research Institute Mario Negri as well. The mansion is a fine example of architectural conversion of a building featuring significant historical and artistic elements into the seat for innovative activities and cutting-edge technologies.
This neoclassical building, surrounded by a park covering a surface of 60.000 square meters with many ancient trees, was designed by the architect Simone Elia for the Counts Camozzi, whose children Gabriele and Giovanni Battista are famous for the important contribution they gave to the struggles for the Unification of Italy.
The lovely façade is decorated with some exquisite patterns. The main staircase and the central hall are very interesting, too, featuring music-related decorations. Moreover, the small and beautiful family chapel is another remarkable element. The interiors kept many of the original typical decoration of a XIX Century mansion. Floral, animal and mythological motifs can still be admired in many of the rooms.