Villa Arbusto

The Villa Arbusto complex was constructed in 1785 by Don Carlo Acquaviva, Duke of Atri, who selected the site of the farmhouse for the development. The complex is currently organised into a series of adjacent buildings integrated into the garden-park: the residential part, Villa Arbusto, which subsequently became the name of the entire complex; the guesthouse; the rimmed Villa Gingerò, now known as "Belvedere"; and a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Lady of Graces. A small sacristy and a small villa of late plant are also present, as well as facilities such as a cistern located in the upper area.The interiors and exteriors of the complex are linked by open-air furnishings such as grilles, pergolas, a fountain, avenues and equipped trails.
The male line of Acquaviva, which ended in 1805, saw the villa pass from one proprietor to another, including the Duchess of Conversano, the Biondi family, and the Ciannelli-Nesbit family, who transformed it into a boarding house before being compelled to sell it due to financial difficulties. In 1952, the renowned editor and film producer Angelo Rizzoli acquired the villa. Following his demise, the municipality of Lacco Ameno acquired the villa with the financial support of the province of Naples and the Campania Region, with the objective of displaying the numerous historical artefacts unearthed in the area since the 1950s. The actual museum did not open its doors until 17 April 1999.