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Discovering the magnificent Venetian villas that dot the landscape of Veneto is an experience that every visitor should have. These historic residences, born from the wealth and power of noble families of the past, tell stories of art, architecture, and culture dating back centuries. Originally conceived as summer residences and places of leisure, the villas represent a deep connection with the land and an important expression of Venetian civilization.
Along the enchanting banks of the Brenta, among the gentle hills of the Berici Hills, and just a short distance from the comfort of Move Hotels, architectural treasures are hidden that offer visitors a journey back in time. Each of these villas carries an aura of mystery and a unique beauty, inviting exploration not only of their splendid gardens but also of their richly frescoed interiors.
Get ready to be captivated by frescoes of great masters, refined architecture, and centuries-old stories. Each visit will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, where history intertwines with natural beauty. Let’s go discover five must-see villas!
Just 19 minutes from Move Hotels, along the picturesque Riviera del Brenta, stands Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta. Designed in 1554 by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, this villa is the only Palladian work in the province of Venice.
Immersed in a tranquil environment, Villa Foscari invites visitors to discover a corner rich in history and Renaissance architecture.
Here, the architecture is a masterpiece of balance and symmetry. The façade, inspired by classical temples, features a portico with Ionic columns and lateral staircases that lend a solemn entrance. Inside, the noble floor is adorned with frescoes by Gian Battista Zelotti, depicting myths and stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, enriching the space with beauty and meaning.
The nickname “La Malcontenta” has intriguing origins and various interpretations. Some say it comes from the noblewoman Elisabetta Dolfin, who was confined here as punishment, while others link the name to the overflowing of the Brenta River. Over the past forty years, the current owners, descendants of the Foscari family, have completed a meticulous restoration of the villa, which had been in a state of complete neglect. Returned to the family in 1973, Villa Foscari was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994. Curiosity and tradition: the villa retains the absence of electric lighting to preserve an authentic and evocative atmosphere.
The guided tours offer insights into Palladio’s work and the aristocratic life of the sixteenth century. With its gardens and architectural beauty, La Malcontenta is an essential stop for those wishing to explore Venetian heritage and experience an unforgettable visit.
Just 22 minutes from Move Hotels, Villa Valmarana ai Nani stands out among the artistic gems of the Riviera del Brenta, enchanting visitors with its history and beauty. This villa, built in the 17th century, is a perfect example of Venetian architecture, characterized by elegant barchesse and frescoes that depict stories of nobility and celebration.
The villa was originally commissioned by the lawyer Giovanni Maria Bertolo and later expanded by Giustino Valmarana, who transformed it into a welcoming guesthouse to host friends and relatives.
Today, the complex is renowned for its frescoes, created by the Tiepolo family, which adorn the ballroom and main salons. These frescoes not only immortalize the glorification of the Valmarana family but also depict the festive life of the Venetian nobility, who gathered here in the past for extraordinary events that could last more than a day.
Villa Valmarana has undergone a meticulous restoration that has brought back its original magnificence. Its wide double-columned portico reveals the representative function the building was meant to serve. The villa’s enchanting atmosphere is enriched by local legends, including that of the seventeen grotesque dwarfs that adorn the surrounding wall. These sculptures, inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte, are attributed to Giandomenico Tiepolo and tell stories of sadness and isolation, imparting an aura of grotesque mystery.
It is not just the art that attracts visitors from all over the world; over the centuries, the villa has become a magnet for writers, artists, and intellectuals. J.W. Goethe and Goffredo Parise are just a few of the illustrious names who have crossed the threshold of this historic residence. The signatures of royalty and celebrities adorn the pages of the guest book, bearing witness to the significance of this place in the realms of culture and history.
Visiting it means immersing yourself in a fascinating past, rich in events. Villa Valmarana ai Nani is an invitation to explore the art, culture, and history of the Riviera del Brenta, making it an unmissable stop for those staying at Move Hotels. Don’t miss the chance to discover this enchanting corner and let yourself be embraced by its timeless beauty.
Nestled in the picturesque Euganean Hills Regional Park, Villa Selvatico rises majestically from the Hill of Sant’Elena, reflecting in the sulfurous ponds of its enchanting thermal garden, designed in the 19th century by the renowned landscape architect Giuseppe Jappelli. This extraordinary example of 17th-century architecture, located just 42 minutes from Move Hotels, is not merely a villa but a true journey through time, rich in history and beauty.
Commissioned by the Marquis Bartolomeo Selvatico, construction began in 1593 and was completed in 1647 under the supervision of Dr. Benedetto Selvatico and the master builder Tomio Sforzan. The villa features a square layout, with crenellated corner towers and a distinctive lead-covered dome that lends the building a fairytale-like atmosphere, inspired by Palladian models. The monumental staircase overlooking the Battaglia canal allowed direct access for those arriving by boat from Padua and Venice, emphasizing the villa’s historical and strategic importance.
Inside, the central cross-shaped hall houses a rich cycle of frescoes created by Luca Ferrari da Reggio in 1650, depicting the mythological adventures of Antenor, the legendary founder of Padua. The painter’s vivid inventiveness is reflected in a luminous chromatic palette that renders the scenes—drawn from the Aeneid—a perfect fusion of Renaissance classicism and Baroque style. These frescoes, together with the unique architecture and crenellated towers, narrate stories of passion and dedication by the numerous owners who succeeded each other over time.
The villa is surrounded by an eleven-hectare park, characterized by centuries-old trees and five thermal ponds that create a perfect balance between art and nature. The Italian Garden, transformed into a romantic park by Jappelli, offers a unique experience for walks immersed in history. Every corner of the park invites contemplation and relaxation, with scenic effects created by the warm water mirrors reflecting the surrounding vegetation.
Visiting Villa Selvatico is an unmissable opportunity to discover the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Veneto—a place where history, nature, and art intertwine in an experience not to be missed.
Just 45 minutes from Move Hotels, Villa Corner Chiminelli stands as a magnificent example of “villa civilization,” dating back to the late 16th century and completely frescoed by Benedetto Caliari, brother of the famous Paolo Veronese. This extraordinary complex is not only a summer residence for the Venetian aristocracy but also a center for agricultural and cultural activities, with vineyards and gardens that speak of a past rich in life and leisure.
Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a charming Italian garden, adorned with an ancient frescoed wall, fountains, and stone sculptures that create an atmosphere of rare elegance. The family chapel overlooking the entrance portico adds an additional touch of history and spirituality to this enchanting place. Today, Villa Corner Chiminelli is open to the public for events and guided tours, offering the opportunity to explore its artistic and architectural beauties.
Over time, the villa has hosted illustrious families, from the Piacentini to the Tiepolo. Each generation has left its mark, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of this heritage. In addition to the main residence, the attached rustic buildings house the Agricultural and Tanning Museum, where vintage farming tools and historical machines can be admired, paying tribute to the area’s peasant tradition.
The frescoes, examples of Baroque art, adorn the rooms and ceilings, narrating stories of mythology and nature through vibrant and colorful decoration. The villa is not just a place to visit; it is an immersive experience that takes you back in time when noble families gathered to celebrate the beauty of life.
Suspended between the vineyards and forests of the Berici Hills, Villa di Montruglio represents an authentic architectural jewel just an hour from Move Hotels—a place where history and beauty blend harmoniously. Commissioned by the historic Arnaldi family and designed by architect Antonio Pizzocaro in 1680, the villa was expanded and embellished in the 18th century by Francesco Antonio Muttoni, whose touch can be recognized in every detail, from the chapel to the magnificent pediment that adorns the façade.
The villa gracefully unfolds on the Berici Hills, dominating a vast green space that invites exploration of the surrounding park, woods, and vineyards. The façade is adorned with statues from the workshop of Orazio Marinali, while the frescoes that decorate the noble floor’s hall are the work of Francesco Aviani. Both artists contribute to creating an atmosphere of great elegance and refinement, capturing the attention of visitors.
At the entrance, a pavilion staircase leads to a central body flanked by two lateral wings, all characterized by perfect symmetry. The statues representing Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, along with the coat of arms of the Camerini family, give the villa an imposing presence. Along the portico, unique architectural details can be noted, such as the trefoil windows, highlighting Muttoni’s skill and distinctive style.
Visiting Villa di Montruglio offers the opportunity to admire not only the splendid frescoes and internal decorations but also to stroll through the park and historic gardens. Don’t miss the Hall of Arms, rich in ancient collections, and the Lapidarium, where history comes to life through artifacts. The family chapel, built at the end of the 17th century, adds another touch of history and spirituality, accessible to the local inhabitants as well.
An unmissable experience is the visit to the villa’s vineyards, where you can taste local wines while immersed in the tranquility of a landscape steeped in history and passion. Villa di Montruglio is much more than just a villa; it is a journey through art, nature, and tradition that will leave you speechless.
Concluding this fascinating journey through the Venetian villas is an invitation to reflect on the beauty and history that surround Veneto area. Each villa, with its stories and architectural treasures, represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and art of an era that has shaped the history of this region.
Imagine strolling among ancient vineyards, exploring historic gardens, and uncovering legends intertwined with the lives of noble families. Your stay would not be complete without a visit to these enchanting residences, which will transport you back in time and make you feel a part of an extraordinary heritage.