Villa Valmarana ai Nani

If you are in Vicenza and interested in a unique and surprising attraction, we recommend the wonderful monumental complex of Villa Valmarana ai Nani, conveniently located just outside the city centre. 

The Villa Valmarana ai Nani comprises the Palazzina and Foresteria, frescoed in 1757 by Giambattista Tiepolo and his son Giandomenico Tiepolo, a stable and a historic park. It is an unmissable attraction that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. 

The villa is surrounded by a high stone wall with statues of dwarves, who were the protagonists of numerous legends at the time. The villa is still inhabited by the Valmarana family, who commissioned the magnificent frescoes in the palazzina. The villa is available for events such as weddings and other occasions, as well as offering a peaceful setting for a stroll in search of 18th-century beauty during a trip just outside the city.  

The buildings of Villa Valmarana ai Nani

The architectural site of Villa Valmarana comprises three buildings. 

• The mansion
• The guest quarters
• The stables

 From the outset, it is evident that each of these structures has been designed to serve a specific purpose. The buildings are all surrounded by a green garden. 

The interior of the Palazzina features notable frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, including the renowned Sacrifice of Iphigenia. This painting offers a three-dimensional perspective, allowing visitors to observe the characters and scene behind the columns as if they were real. Tiepolo's design has the effect of making the room appear even larger, due to the perspective created by including the ceiling in the composition. 

The most famous portrait of Andrea Palladio, who constructed other palaces and villas for the Valmarana family, is displayed on the main wall of the central hall. This portrait is attributed to the painter Giovan Battista Maganza.

Additionally, the palace features the Sala dell'Iliade, portraying scenes from the Iliad involving Achilles and Briseis; the Sala dell'Orlando Furioso, the Sala dell'Eneide, and the Sala della Gerusalemme Liberata. 

The scenes are displayed within rooms that feature stucco decorations and 18th-century furniture. 

The guesthouse and the sacred wood

The Foresteria is the ideal venue for those wishing to gain insight into the history of the Valmarana family, beginning with the founder of the family, Giustino Valmarana, who chose to reside here. 

The Foresteria is situated just outside a forest of centuries-old holm oaks, known as the Sacred Grove. This silent corner, adjacent to the city, offers visitors the opportunity to stroll and encounter ancient statues, pagodas and churches. The outdoor spaces are particularly impressive, with visitors able to immerse themselves in the statues and labyrinths typical of 18th-century gardens.