Giuseppe Verdi moved in 1851 to Sant’Agata in Villanova sull’Arda, in Piacenza’s land, with his wife, the soprano Giuseppina Strepponi.
Giuseppe Verdi and his passion
In Sant’Agata Verdi spent time and passion to farming, besides his well known interests like art, poetry, economy and politics.
In this special place Giuseppe Verdi took the chance not only to keep going with his job as a composer. He became as well a landlord, a cattle farmer and he was even appointed counsellor of the town of Villanova d’Arda. He also became a counsellor in Piacenza.
But Verdi took personally care of the improvement of the quality of life of his renters, other than the agricultural organisation and the watering systems.
The building of Villanova Hospital, the awarding of scholarships and the assistance to poor people, were due to Verdi social commitment.
Villa Verdi museum
The Villa is now a museum(closed at the moment). A look at the garden is mandatory. In this special spot of the house it’s interesting to feel immersed in the place, where the artist loved to stay by himself.
