Palladian villas

Andrea Palladio was an internationally renowned Italian Renaissance architect and the accredited architect of the Serenissima. His real name was Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, and he designed a variety of structures, including villas, palaces, basilicas, and monuments, with a significant concentration in the Veneto region. 

In the 1500s, the Venetian noble families commissioned the artist to give the Venetian lands a new lease of life. The result was the construction of magnificent villas, which were intended not only for holidaying but also for work. 

Palladio's work saw a return to classicism and the creation of a perfect harmony between more modern Renaissance elements and traditional styles. This combination gave rise to a new style, the Palladian style, which was characterised by a personal interpretation of architecture. 

The city of Vicenza, which has been entirely redesigned in accordance with Palladio's architectural principles, along with 24 Palladian villas in the Veneto region, has been officially recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The following is a resume list of the most famous and interesting Palladian villas, which are highly recommended as must-see attractions. 

Villa Foscari known as La Malcontenta

It is said that the house acquired the nickname La Malcontenta due to the imprisonment of a Foscari wife who had been disloyal to her husband. The villa is situated in the hamlet of Malcontenta, within the municipality of Mira, in close proximity to the Brenta Canal. This is the only Palladian villa located on the Brenta, constructed by Alvise and Nicolò Foscari between 1550 and 1560. The Foscari villa is distinguished from the other Palladian villas by its height and the imposing loggia with Ionic columns that characterises its façade. The villa is open to the public and features frescoes inside, including mythological scenes and illusionistic designs on the vaults, such as the Fall of the Giants. 

Villa Emo

The location of this Palladian villa in Fanzolo di Vedelago, on the border between the Po Valley and the Feltre Pre-Alps, provides an excellent example of the beauty and harmony of Palladian architecture in the Treviso area. 

The project was commissioned by Leonardo Emo, a Venetian nobleman and landowner. The land is sufficiently expansive to allow Palladio to consider a wider perspective. The complex comprises not only the villa, but also the long telescope and the agricultural area to the north, the garden with its geometric flowerbeds and avenues with classical statues, and extends beyond the entrance gate to encompass the double row of rustic dwellings forming the Borgo Brolo. The villa's façade is characterised by a tetrastyle loggia of the Doric order. 

Villa Barbaro in Maser

Villa Barbaro is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and renowned villas designed by Palladio. It is perhaps best known as Villa Maser, which redefined the concept of building in the countryside. The patron, Daniele Barbaro, was a highly educated man with a profound knowledge of ancient architecture and a mentor to Palladio. His brother, Marcantonio, held prominent political positions within the Serenissima and served as Ambassador of the Venetian Republic. Palladio constructed the villa in 1560 for the two Barbaro brothers in Maser. However, it is in effect a renovation of an ancient palace belonging to the family. 

The villa is an ideal setting for contemplation and artistic pursuits. Paolo Veronese frescoed the villa, creating a series of masterpieces, while Alessandro Vittoria crafted the sculptures. It would appear that Palladio was responsible for the interior stucco decorations.