Italiano
Palazzo Lechi, formerly known as Palazzo Martinengo, is the most prestigious and magnificient building in Erbusco, boasting a unique architectural structure among the villas in Brescia. It was commissioned by Cesare Martinengo between the 16th and 17th centuries. Located along Via Verdi, the main street of the town, it overlooks the slope of the Franciacorta hill. The architect, possibly influenced by the patron’s connections with Venetian patricians, personalized the Palladian typology in the architectural choices.
The most significant modification took place in the early 19th century when the owner, Bartolomeo Fenaroli, entrusted architect Rodolfo Vantini with the demolition of the imposing wall that concealed the view of the palace from the outside. This led to the construction of the current tall and elegant gate, allowing a clear view of the entire architectural structure.
Through succession, the property eventually passed to the Lechi family in the 20th century, who are the current owners. The palace has a U-shaped layout and displays its solemn austerity in the impressive and refined entrance portal, clearly influenced by the 17th-century style, characterized by pronounced rustication. The portal is crowned by a double tympanum, emphasizing the verticality of the structure, creating a pleasant contrast with the horizontal layout of the palace.
Eleven tall arches in the central area and nine arches in the lateral wings, supported by impressive, rusticated pilasters, form rhythmic arcades on the ground floor, enclosing the courtyard on three sides and creating an enjoyable interplay of voids and solids. The paved portico features sail-shaped vaults. On the upper floor, the central area of the villa boasts a deep loggia supported by Doric columns made of Rezzato stone.