History of Villa Grazia Cattania
Villa Grazia Cattania was built in the 17th century by the Besini family.
The Besini family, originally from Scandiano near Reggio Emilia but of even older Modenese roots, included several notable figures. Antonio Besini was a scholar and doctor of law who held various judicial offices, served as lieutenant to the Dukes of Este, and later became President of the Court of Justice during Napoleon’s time. Giulio Besini was a lawyer, commander of the local police, and a Modenese historian. Antonio Besini is buried in the private chapel attached to the estate.
The villa’s current name honors Grazia Cattania, an ancestor of the present owners.
Villa Grazia Cattania is set within a park filled with centuries-old trees, covering more than 30,000 square meters, and offers all the spaces needed to create a truly unique event:
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the historic chapel built in 1753 for ceremonies
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a beautiful glass veranda with fully opening crystal walls
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a lush park with swimming pool, perfect for unforgettable celebrations
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the events building
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a ballroom equipped with all the necessary modern technical systems
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a spacious and bright fireplace hall
The villa’s owners will be delighted to show you the charm of its spaces and grant exclusive use of the property on your wedding day, so that the most important event of your life can unfold in a romantic, fairytale atmosphere.
Thanks to its generous and versatile spaces, Villa Grazia Cattania can host private ceremonies and events, as well as corporate conventions, gala dinners, and business meetings.
Historical Notes on the Besini Family
Hailing from Scandiano, but of more ancient Modenese origins. Worthy of mention are: Antonio, son of Giovanni Battista, MD (1739-1821), a man of letters and a doctor of law, who held various magistrates' offices and served as lieutenant in the Este dominions, and finally, in Modena, as president of the Court of Justice during the Napoleonic era, and later president of the Court of First Instance under the Austro-Estenses.
For his merits as ducal lieutenant in Mirandola, the Council of that city included him and all his descendants in the noble class of Mirandola (26 November 1795).
His son, Giulio Ottavio, a doctor of law, a passionate bibliophile and a distinguished archaeologist, held the office of Director of the Police in Modena and was assassinated by Carbonaro on 19 May 1822.
His sons Ottavio and Carlo, on February 28, 1844, obtained enrollment in the nobility of Mirandola as descendants of the lawyer Antonio who had achieved it, as mentioned, in 1795.
The Modenese nobility was bestowed upon the aforementioned Carlo and his male descendants in the year 1847 (June 12). Living members: Antonio, son of Giulio, son of Carlo, son of Giulio. Children: Anna in Barassi, Carlo, Claudia, ...
Source: heraldrysinstitute.com
Family coat of arms
Intersected in a fess: in the first or, an eagle sable; in the second, gules, a serpent waving vert in a pale, sewn; in the third, banded azure and argent.