The story of Villa Elvira
A century of elegance, between Art Nouveau, wartime memories and unexpected discoveries.
In the heart of the Sienese hills, where a millenary history intertwines with timeless beauty, stands Villa Elvira — an architectural gem that tells the stories of past eras and of the souls who once lived within its walls. Located in Siena’s most elevated and prestigious district, at the foot of the ancient city, Villa Elvira is far more than a residence: it is the embodiment of elegance, refinement and passion.
Vittorio Mariani’s design
Designed in the early decades of the 20th century by the renowned Roman urban planner Vittorio Mariani, the villa showcases his mastery in every detail while preserving its original charm. It was commissioned by Dr Grandi, a man of great intelligence and ambition, who spared no expense to create a truly unique residence.
For its construction he even purchased a brick kiln near Siena to produce special bricks — larger and finer than usual — giving the villa a distinctive and unmatched character.
Elvira, an icon of style
The villa takes its name from Dr Grandi’s wife, Elvira, a woman of Argentine origin whose exotic allure and strong personality left an indelible mark on the residence’s history. Elvira remains the very symbol of the villa — an icon of style and sophistication.
Mariani’s flair is today more than anywhere else recognizable in villas that miraculously preserve the fragrance of an era and precious Art Nouveau details. I think of Villa Elvira, in Cappuccini: with its tall corner tower, from which Siena can be admired as from a belvedere, and with the loggia-balcony on the front, perfect for summer evening conversations.
Sixty metres below the garden
Villa Elvira also hides a surprising side: beneath it lies a secret bunker, stretching 60 metres in length and 20 metres deep, built during the Second World War to protect the villa’s residents.
More than just an air-raid shelter, this mysterious place represents a unique piece of history linked to Dr Grandi, at the time a prominent figure within the regime. Rediscovered in January 2024, the bunker now stands as a fascinating testament to a hidden past.
A suitcase of film reels and a Sadun
Over the years, two extraordinary discoveries have enriched its story: a wooden suitcase containing black-and-white advertising films of the famous Sapori confectionery company, shot in the 1950s and 1960s and featuring historic images of Siena and the Palio, and a work by the Sienese painter Piero Sadun, painted in 1960 on a large door and now on display at the Santa Maria della Scala Museum.
From the Sapori family to the Carapellis
In the 1950s the villa passed into the hands of the owners of the renowned confectionery company Sapori, a symbol of Siena’s economic life, and was later purchased in 1987 by the building entrepreneur Alvaro Carapelli. Since then Villa Elvira has remained a treasured family heirloom.
Elisa’s project
In 2023 Elisa Tridico, granddaughter of Alvaro and now custodian of the villa, launched a renovation project that blends authenticity with modernity. A goldsmith by profession, Elisa chose to incorporate unique details — such as a gilded safe and a jeweller’s workbench — that enrich the villa’s original atmosphere.
The charm of vintage furnishings, cast-iron radiators and the original 1930s parquet floors merges seamlessly with a collection of curious objects that tell the story of Villa Elvira and its inhabitants.
Nestled in a beautifully landscaped park, the villa offers an oasis of tranquility with fruit trees, a vegetable garden and hidden corners perfect for relaxation. In January 2024 Elisa devoted herself fully to Villa Elvira, transforming it into a place to be lived and shared.
The villa in pictures
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