Ville Venetian Villas of Padua and Vicenza: The Grand Tour

Pubblicato il 24 marzo 2026 alle ore 16:41

Among the green Venetian hills of Padua and Vicenza lie numerous Venetian villas and historic castles of great artistic and cultural interest. Built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Venetian Villas were not merely summer residences for the nobility, but true centers of agricultural management and symbols of power.

In this proposed "Grand Tour" – starting from Casa Luna – we have selected the main Palladian residences, noble estates, and medieval fortifications in the provinces of Padua and Vicenza.

  • Villa Draghi (Montegrotto Terme) – This Venetian Neo-Gothic villa (1848-1850) overlooks the city from a scenic hilltop. It is the perfect destination for a regenerating walk offering a unique view of the territory. Today, it houses the International Glass Museum and the Museum of Ancient Thermalism.
  • Villa Selvatico Terme (Battaglia Terme, PD) – A Neoclassical Venetian villa with an Italian garden designed by Jappelli. The romantic park overlooks a small lake with statues and fishponds.
    • Address: Viale Sant’Elena, 36, 35041 Battaglia Terme (PD). Tel: +39 049 0993678.
    • Website: villaselvaticoterme.it. Hours: Self-guided visits on Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM (March-October). Dist. ~6.5 km.
    • More info in our article: Villa Selvatico in Battaglia Terme

  • Villa dei Vescovi (FAI) (Luvigliano di Torreglia, PD) – A refined Renaissance residence in the Euganean Hills. Designed by Falconetto (1520) with frescoes by Lambert Sustris, it offers an exceptional view of the vineyards.
    • Address: Via dei Vescovi, 4, 35030 Luvigliano di Torreglia (PD). Tel: +39 049 9930473.
    • Website: fondoambiente.it. Hours: Open April to October (Sat-Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Dist. ~7.4 km.
    • More info in our article: The Villa dei Vescovi

 

  • Villa Papafava - Frassanelle Park (Rovolon) – A stunning 120-hectare estate famous for its 19th-century artificial caves, created to transform the park into a natural work of art. The caves, a complex underground labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites, provide a magical experience for both adults and children.
    • Address: Via Frassanelle, 14, 35030 Rovolon (PD). Tel: +39 335 1274149 / +39 340 7714819.
    • Website: www.frassanelle.it. Hours: March to November, typically on holidays and weekends (Sun & Holidays 10:00 AM – 6:00/7:00 PM depending on the season). Distance from Casa Luna: Approx. 16 km (20-25 mins by car).
    • More info in our article: The Frassanelle Natural Park

  • Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani (Valsanzibio di Galzignano Terme, PD) – A monumental 17th-century Baroque villa with a sumptuous Italian garden. Designed by Luigi Bernini as a "Dantean Paradise," it features fountains, allegorical statues, and a boxwood labyrinth.

 

  • Villa Molin (Padua) – An elegant 17th-century Palladian villa designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, inspired by Palladio. It is characterized by its imposing portico and decorated chimneys.
    • Address: Via Ponte della Cagna, 106, 35141 Padua (PD). Tel: +39 348 4004121.
    • Website: villamolinpadova.com. Hours: By reservation for groups (contact the Villa). Dist. ~3.7 km.
    • More info in our article: Villa Molin in Padua

 

  • Villa Contarini – G. E. Ghirardi Foundation (Piazzola sul Brenta, PD) – A monumental villa from 1546, among the largest in the Veneto region. It overlooks a vast 40-hectare park with parterres, lakes, and Baroque fountains.
    • Address: Via Luigi Camerini, 1, 35016 Piazzola sul Brenta (PD). Tel: +39 049 5590347.
    • Website: villacontarini.eu. Hours: Open daily (except Wednesday) – check official times. Dist. ~22.6 km.

 

  • Villa Beatrice d’Este (Baone, PD) – A historic residence at the foot of Mount Gemola in the Euganean Hills. Built on the ruins of a medieval monastery, it now houses a natural history museum.

 

  • Villa La Rotonda (Capra) (Vicenza) – The most famous Palladian villa (1566), featuring a central square plan with porticos on each side and a magnificent dome. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a "Renaissance microcosm."
    • Address: Via della Rotonda, 45, 36100 Vicenza (VI). Tel: +39 351 7922118 (WhatsApp).
    • Website: villalarotonda.it. Hours: Sat-Sun 10:00-12:30 and 14:30-17:00 (winter hours). Dist. ~28.5 km.

 

  • Villa Valmarana ai Nani (Vicenza) – A Palladian residence (18th century) known for the 17 stone "dwarfs" in the park and the frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo in the guest house.
    • Address: Via dei Nani, 8, 36100 Vicenza (VI). Tel: +39 0444 321803.
    • Website: villavalmarana.com. Hours: Open to the public (check site for specific days). Dist. ~29.0 km.

 

  • Villa Caldogno (Caldogno, VI) – Elegant 16th-century Palladian villa. Famous for its interior paintings by Giulio Carpioni and Battista Zelotti depicting mythological scenes.
    • Address: Via Zanella, 3, 36030 Caldogno (VI). Tel: +39 345 9302084.
    • Website: villacaldogno.it. Hours: Sat-Sun 9:00-12:00 / 15:00-18:00. Dist. ~38.2 km.

 

  • Villa Pojana (Palladio) (Pojana Maggiore, VI) – An austere Palladian villa (c. 1550) with an imposing classical facade and frescoes by Battista Zelotti.
    • Address: Via Castello, 43, 36020 Pojana Maggiore (VI). Tel: +39 0444 509822.
    • Website: Managed by IUAV University. Hours: Wed, Sat, Sun 10:00-13:00 / 15:00-18:00 (April-October). Dist. ~24.7 km.

 

  • Villa Pisani (Stra) – Known as the "Versailles of the Brenta," it is one of the most imposing Venetian villas. Built in the 18th century for the noble Pisani family, it features 114 rooms and a massive park. It is world-famous for its hedge maze and the extraordinary fresco by Giambattista Tiepolo.
    • Address: Via Doge Pisani, 7, 35039 Stra (VE). Hours: Generally open Tue-Sun, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Distance from Casa Luna: Approx. 25 km (30 mins by car).
    • Website: www.villapisani.beniculturali.it

 

  • Praglia Abbey (Teolo, PD) – The Benedictine Abbey of Praglia (10th century) is a significant monastery at the foot of the Euganean Hills. It houses the National Library of the monks and preserves exquisite Renaissance frescoes.
    • Address: Via Abbazia di Praglia, 16, 35037 Teolo (PD). Tel: Not available (evening closure).
    • Website: praglia.it. Hours: Church open during the day (visitable during Monastery hours). Dist. ~16.3 km.
    • More info in our article: Discovering the Praglia Abbey

  • Catajo Castle (Battaglia Terme, PD) – A grand 16th-century fortified residence of the Obizzi family. With over 350 frescoed rooms, terraces, and hanging gardens, it is a remarkable monumental complex.

 

  • San Pelagio Castle (Due Carrare, PD) – An ancient medieval fortification with an imposing tower, now the Museum of Flight. It is famous for being the site where Gabriele d'Annunzio departed for the "Flight over Vienna" in 1918.

 

  • Monselice Castle (Monselice, PD) – A medieval castle perched on the Colle della Rocca, today the "Museum of the Risorgimento and Resistance". From the walls, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Euganean Hills.

 

  • Montagnana Castle (San Zeno) (Montagnana, PD) – A medieval fortress along the city's defensive walls, which are among the best-preserved in Italy. Dedicated to San Zeno, it features a characteristic watchtower.
    • Address: Piazza Trieste, 15, 35044 Montagnana (PD). Tel: +39 0429 81320 (Tourist Office).
    • Website: Municipal management. Hours: Open by reservation during events (visitable from the walls). Dist. ~29.4 km.
    • More info in our article: Montagnana: A Journey to the Heart of History and Culture

 

  • Valbona Castle (Lozzo Atestino, PD) – A 13th-century medieval manor with merloned roofs, now transformed into a museum and restaurant. it hosts an educational path about medieval agriculture.

 

To deepen your knowledge and plan your complete itinerary through the historic residences of Veneto, visit the website: villevenetetour.it

A heritage waiting to be discovered for a visit, a weekend, or a holiday 'villa-hopping' from one estate to another, immersed in a lifestyle that echoes ancient customs, culture, and the joy of living, a love for nature, fine dining, and much more.

Do you want to delve deeper into the history and secrets hidden behind the beauty of our territory? Download our free 10-page guide to plan your signature excursions and unlock the exclusive benefits of the Casa Luna Club!

Read our Pillar article:The Charm of Euganean History: Venetian Villas and Villages

Back to: Culture and surroundings

« 

Aggiungi commento

Commenti

Non ci sono ancora commenti.