Consonno, Lecco, Lombardy, Italy

Consonno was originally a peaceful, rural village until 1962, when Count Mario Bagno, a wealthy entrepreneur, bought the land with grand ambitions. He envisioned turning Consonno into a glamorous resort, brimming with hotels, casinos, shopping arcades, and luxurious entertainment venues.

To bring his dream to life, he razed the original medieval village, replacing it with exotic architectural features like minarets, pagodas, and a grand archway—creating an eclectic mix of styles that aimed to give Consonno a global flair.

For a brief moment, it seemed like the dream might come true. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Consonno drew visitors eager to indulge in its entertainment, gambling, and nightlife.