Considered one of Veneto’s best examples of the proto-neoclassical style, Villa dei Vescovi was used by Padua’s bishops until the 20th century. Its interiors feature frescoes by Flemish painter Lambert Sustris and open onto elegant porticos that overlook the gardens, vineyard, and orchard. The villa marked the rise of the humanist ideal of architecture designed to complement the landscape and is a precursor to architect Andrea Palladio’s neoclassical style that dominated the countryside in the 1700s.
Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid a delay at the entrance, or join an excursion or wine tour into the Euganean Hills that includes a stop at Villa dei Vescovi and other Venetian villas in the surrounding countryside.
The villa is located in Luvigliano near the town of Torreglia, roughly 11 miles (18 kilometers) outside Padua (Padova) and about an hour from Venice by car. As arriving by public transportation can be time-consuming, consider joining a small-group or private tour that includes round-trip transportation for a hassle-free visit.
Villa dei Vescovi is surrounded by beautiful grounds and countryside, which are best appreciated in spring and fall. Guided tours are offered by the villa on Saturdays and Sundays for a small supplement, and they cannot be booked in advance.
The countryside of Veneto is known for its elegant Palladian Villas, built as rural residences for wealthy Venetian merchants and nobility by Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Today they are a highlight of the region. Villa Barbaro, the architect’s masterpiece, is perhaps the most famous, but other treasures include Villa La Rotonda and Villa Emo.