They are considered among the greatest masterpieces of the Venetian architect, but also, in general, of the history of art and Renaissance architecture. Let’s talk about the Palladian villas, designed by Andrea Palladio in the mid-16th century for local aristocratic families and members of the upper middle class of the Republic of Venice.
Palladio’s work has in fact anticipated the neoclassical architecture and influenced the construction of works throughout Europe and America, giving birth to the cultural phenomenon known as “Palladianism”.
The villas were not simple residences, but authentic country houses with an agricultural function: in the middle of the fifteenth century, in fact, the nobles began to move away from urban chaos and take refuge in nature.
They needed splendid homes, in which to indulge themselves but also to cultivate the study. Palladio was able to create an innovative concept of villa for them, abandoning the medieval idea of villa-castle and introducing a balance between ancient and modern, man and nature.
The architecture of the villas
The architecture of the Palladian Villas is characterized by a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality: Palladio was a master at playing with proportions and in being able to give life to majestic and welcoming environments at the same time.L’architetto ricorre ad elementi classici come colonne, frontoni e logge, combinandoli però in modo innovativo e armonioso. Le ville sono spesso simmetriche, con una struttura centrale che funge da cuore del progetto, attorno alla quale si sviluppano gli altri ambienti. Tra questi si fanno notare le barchesse, lunghi porticati destinati all’attività agricola, che offrono un susseguirsi di magazzini, cucine, cantine e stalle. L’accostamento non forzato tra spazi dedicati al lavoro dei campi e altri votati a soddisfare un ideale di vita raffinata è assolutamente tipico di queste opere.
The interior of the villas is characterized by large and bright rooms, usually decorated with frescoes and stucco on a naturalistic and mythological theme, designed to promote the circulation of air and light.
The landscape outside and inside the villas
The villas are in all cases inserted in rural environments delicious and delicate, which make a nice contrast with their majesty.
The Italian gardens, with their precise geometries and shady paths, are places that invite to peace and contemplation.
The agricultural land inside, often still cultivated and exploited to produce typical products of the territory, still testify to the practical function that these works have had in the past.
The UNESCO recognition
In 1994 the Palladian Villas were awarded the title of “World Heritage” by UNESCO.
The prestigious award is due to their exceptional historical and artistic importance: the villas represent the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture and have profoundly influenced the development of western architecture. Their value is therefore of universal interest and every effort must be made to preserve them intact.
What are the Palladian villas and where they are located
Palladian villas are distributed mainly in the provinces of Vicenza, Treviso and Padova.
In total there are twenty-four and each represents a unique example of the Palladian genius, with distinctive features that depend on what were the demands and fields of interest of their clients.
Not being able to mention them all for lack of space, let us here content ourselves to explore virtually the most interesting ones.
Villa Angarano
Located in Bassano del Grappa, it was built in 1548 for the family of the same name. Palladio felt particularly attached to this project, which he mentioned in his writings, from which he exudes his commitment to wanting to give life to a work of pure beauty and harmony.
An interesting curiosity concerns the side wings of the villa, which were added in the eighteenth century but maintaining the Palladian style. One of the most suggestive rooms is the hall, with bucolici and mythological frescoes.
The villa is surrounded by historic vineyards that produce renowned wines, including the well-known Angarano Bianco.
Villa Chiericati
Villa Chiericati, located in Vancimuglio, was commissioned by an aristocrat from Vicenza named Girolamo Chiericati. Palladio began construction in 1550, but the villa remained incomplete at his death.
The interiors, decorated later, have been frescoed by local artists reinterpreting the mythological themes dear to Palladio. A fascinating detail is the main staircase, designed to look wider through an ingenious use of perspectives. The villa is surrounded by a park of old trees.
Villa Godi Valmarana
It was one of the first works by Palladio, completed in 1542. It is located in Lugo di Vicenza and is famous because the film “Senso” by Luchino Visconti was shot here. The original owners, the Godi, were a family of rich silk merchants.
The frescoes inside the villa were made by Gualtiero Padovano and Battista Zelotti and are among the most valuable of the Venetian Renaissance. The property includes an ancient botanical garden that once housed rare and medicinal plants.
Villa Thiene
It was commissioned by Marcantonio and Adriano Thiene, two brothers belonging to one of the most influential families in Vicenza, but it was left incomplete. Here Palladio collaborated with the famous sculptor Alessandro Vittoria for some of the decorative elements.
The villa has a series of rooms that should have housed an art collection and a library of rare manuscripts, because these were the intellectual interests of the Thiene brothers but, as stated, the project was never completed.
Villa Trissino
Villa Trissino is located in Meledo di Sarego. Palladio began work around 1550, giving the building an elegant facade with imposing Ionic columns. An element of great interest is the private chapel attached to the villa, where the family Trissino celebrated religious services.
The villa was used as a refuge during the plague of 1630 and the family isolated themselves there to escape the epidemic.
The villa’s park is instead known for its exotic plants, imported from the travels of the Trissino, who succeeded in creating a unique botanical garden.
Villa Barbaro
Villa Barbaro, in Maser, is one of the most celebrated villas of Palladio.
It was commissioned by the brothers Daniele and Marcantonio Barbaro, two influential Venetian aristocrats. The frescoes -lively, with skillful use of perspective and optical illusions- bear the signature of Paolo Veronese.
The villa houses a number of scientific instruments from the 16th century, including a sundial and a sundial. The Renaissance-style garden is enriched by a nymphaeum, a decorative fountain typical of Palladio, adorned with statues and water games.
Villa Barbaro is still a private residence, but some rooms are open to the public and can be visited during guided tours.
Foto : Wikipedia
Villa La Rotonda
Villa La Rotonda, one of the most famous works by Palladio, is located just outside Vicenza.
It is still considered a model of architectural perfection: it is famous for its perfect symmetry, obtained by folding four identical facades, each with a porch with ionic columns.
Art at the table: the oenological excellence of the territory
Those looking for an exceptional wine experience will find interesting the productions of the villas, which, in addition to being splendid examples of Renaissance architecture, also offer in many cases the possibility of buying wine and other local products.
Everything is produced, of course, within the same ancient properties or at least those that have managed to keep intact the original intention of their owners to integrate architectural beauty and productive functionality.
At Villa Angarano we produce the Bianco Angarano, a fresh and aromatic white wine, and the Rosso Angarano, full-bodied and complex. The farm is based on traditional and sustainable methods, in which modern cultivation techniques are used while respecting the environment and biodiversity. Villa Emo produces several types of wine, including Prosecco, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, all made from grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. It is also known for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil, obtained from secular olive groves. Regular tastings and guided tours are organised here.
Villa Serego Alighieri -one of the most fascinating Palladian villas that still belongs to the descendants of the poet Dante Alighieri- produces some of the region’s most renowned wines, such as Amarone and Valpolicella. The cellar of the villa is open to the public for visits and tastings.
Villa Barbaro is famous for the production of Prosecco di Maser, a fresh and delicate sparkling wine whose whimsical bubbles are the ideal accompaniment in this journey into the refinement and splendour of the past.
Copertina: Wikipedia
