Villa Barbaro
Veneto
Villa Barbaro, also known as Villa di Maser, is a grand Renaissance villa located in Maser, Veneto, northern Italy. Designed and built by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio around 1560 for the Barbaro brothers, Daniele and Marcantonio, the villa is celebrated for its harmonious architecture and exquisite frescoes by Paolo Veronese. The villa exemplifies Palladio's classical style, featuring a central block resembling a Roman temple portico with Ionic columns and a large pediment adorned with the Barbaro family heraldry. The symmetrical wings, typically used for agricultural purposes, include private living quarters, a unique feature among Palladian villas. The interiors boast one of the most important cycles of Renaissance frescoes, reflecting humanist ideals and the patrons' erudition. Over the centuries, the villa passed through several noble families and underwent restorations, notably in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it remains inhabited by descendants of the Volpi family and is open to the public, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Palladian Villas of the Veneto. The estate also includes a farm producing wine named after the villa, connecting its cultural heritage with local traditions.
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Astuce: The villa is open from April 1 to November 1, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, with closures on Mondays except holidays. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for guided tours and group visits. Visitors can enjoy special events like guided carriage rides from Venice, botanical walks, and treasure hunts throughout the year. Discounts are available for reduced tickets and groups, which require prior reservation. Visiting in spring or early autumn offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds for a richer experience.
Faits intéressants
- •Villa Barbaro features frescoes by Paolo Veronese, considered one of the masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art.
- •The villa's central portico is inspired by the Roman Temple of Fortuna Virilis, showcasing Palladio's classical influences.
- •The villa includes a Palladian tempietto (small temple) on its grounds, enhancing its architectural significance.
- •The estate produces a DOC wine named after the villa, linking its cultural heritage to local viticulture.
- •During World War I, the villa was used as the headquarters of General Squillaci of the Italian Third Army and remained undamaged despite nearby battles.
Histoire
Villa Barbaro was built between 1554 and 1560, commissioned by the Barbaro brothers, Daniele and Marcantonio, who were influential Venetian ambassadors and humanists.
The villa was designed by Andrea Palladio, with interior frescoes by Paolo Veronese and sculptures by Alessandro Vittoria.
Originally the land belonged to the Arbil and Giustiniani families before passing to the Barbaros.
Over time, the villa changed hands through female lineage to the Trevisan, Basadonna, and Manin families.
It fell into disrepair in the 19th century before being restored by industrialist Sante Giacomelli.
During World War I, it served as a military headquarters.
In 1934, Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata acquired it for his daughter Marina, who continued restoration efforts.
Since 1996, Villa Barbaro has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing for Palladian Villas of the Veneto.
Guide du lieu
Central Block and Porticoc. 1560
The villa's central block features a grand portico with four Ionic columns inspired by Roman temples, topped with a large pediment bearing the Barbaro family crest and a Latin inscription dedicating the villa to the brothers' father.
Frescoed Rooms by Paolo Veronesec. 1560
The interiors contain six magnificently frescoed rooms by Paolo Veronese, depicting allegorical and mythological themes that reflect Renaissance humanism and the patrons' intellectual pursuits.
Wings and Barchessec. 1560
The symmetrical wings, fronted by open arcades, house private living quarters on the upper floors and functional spaces such as wine-making rooms and stables below, a unique feature compared to other Palladian villas.
Palladian Tempiettoc. 1560
Located on the villa grounds, the small Palladian temple (tempietto) adds a sacred and contemplative dimension to the estate, reflecting the humanist ideals of the patrons.
Contact
Téléphone: 0423 923004
