The inhabited area of Villabate was founded due to the initiative of Abbot Antonio Agnello, who in 1730 obtained in emphyteusis (a perpetual lease) from Pietro Beccatelli, Prince of Camporeale, a plot of land where he built a house and moved his workers. The name was therefore Villa dell’Abate, however the village developed in the following century around the noble residence of the princes of Baucina. AC, 465.