PALLADIAN VILLAS – the villas closest to Marostica

The Palladian style villa has been such a widespread reality throughout the countryside in the Republic of Venice that it is impossible to visit the province of Vicenza without coming across the most famous examples of this architectural splendour. Without doubt you will be impressed by the ornate elegance of the interiors, often wonderfully decorated by the best Renaissance artists. However, we should not forget that the main function of these villas was agricultural. Every architectural detail of the villas was strongly connected to the economic, political and social aspects, which contributed to the long lasting Venetian Villas Civilization.

If you are thinking about a tour of the Palladian villas, during your stay in Marostica you can count on Monica’s experience and recommendations. Graduated in History of Art and specialised in Andrea Palladio's works, Monica knows how to best organise your private guided tour of the most beautiful Palladian villas. The closest ones to our hotel are:

VILLA LA ROTONDA

at 30 km – The most famous villa by Palladio was designed for the priest Paolo Almerico at the end of his illustrious career at the Vatican. Later bought by Count Capra and finished by the architect Scamozzi, it was much appreciated by Goethe and had a strong influence on western architecture of XVIII and XIX century. It was used as the model for the famous Lord Burlington’s Chiswick House in London and for Thomas Jefferson’s villa in Monticello, United States.

VILLA BARBARO

at 33 km – Situated in a raised position on the Barbaro brothers' estate in Maser, this villa is famous for putting together the genius of Andrea Palladio and the famous painter Paolo Veronese. Here the artist realised one of the most beautiful frescoes of the Italian Renaissance and Palladio also worked on the idea of a centrally planned church.

VILLA GODI AND VILLA PIOVENE

at 17 km – These villas are less famous than the previous ones. They face each other in a wonderful position on the top of the hill and are the ideal starting point to explore the development of Palladian style in rural architecture. Villa Godi was the first villa designed by Palladio and does not show the Roman style influence, which caracterised his later villas. It marks the beginning of an extraordinary period for mural painting in Veneto and is surrounded by a wonderful landscape garden. Villa Piovene, instead, perfectly represents the typical Palladian style in the centuries to come.

VILLA EMO

at 31 km – It is the perfect villa of Andrea Palladio and you will be struck by its apparent simplicity. It was built in total accordance with the original project and subsequent modifications over the years have been minimal and have not noticeably changed the style and structure of the building.

VILLA ANGARANO

at 7 km – This villa was designed by Palladio for his friend Giacomo Angarano, to whom the architect dedicated also a part of his books. Only the lateral wings were built during Palladio’s time, while the central building was built later in a different style. At present it is not possible to visit the inside of the villa, but we suggest stopping off here on your way to Bassano del Grappa with its wooden bridge, also designed by Palladio.

In addition to the Palladian villas, setting off from Marostica you can easily reach also:

THE VILLAS FRESCOED BY TIEPOLO

at 30/40 km - Villa Valmarana ai Nani is a short walk from Villa La Rotonda; Villa Cordellina in Montecchio Maggiore, which is a few kilometres west of Vicenza.

CASTELLO COLLEONI

at 18 km – Extraordinary example of a pre-palladian villa in Thiene town centre, famous for the wonderful marble stables dating back to the beginning of XVIII century.

VILLA CALDOGNO

at 26 km – Even if it is not mentioned in the treatise, many clues lead us to think that Palladio is the author of this villa in Caldogno, a few kilometers north of Vicenza.

VILLA CONTARINI

at 29 km – A real Baroque Palace, with historical gardens, in Piazzola sul Brenta.