In Santa Maria di Sala, nestled in the countryside just a short distance from Venice, stands one of the most fascinating and grand examples of 18th-century architecture: Villa Farsetti.
History: Villa Farsetti was built in the mid-18th century at the behest of Filippo Farsetti, a charismatic and multifaceted figure who perfectly embodied the Enlightenment spirit of the time. Born into a Florentine family but later relocated to Venice, Farsetti was passionate about art, science, and architecture. After traveling across Europe, particularly in France, where he was influenced by the cultural trends of the time, he decided to create a residence in Santa Maria di Sala that would reflect his encyclopedic mindset. He entrusted the design of the building to architect Paolo Posi, one of the leading figures of Roman Baroque architecture. The construction began around 1750, lasting several years, and the entire complex developed according to an ambitious plan that included not only a grand residence but also gardens, greenhouses, temples, and structures for the study of arts and sciences.
Architecture: The architecture of the villa is a perfect example of the Venetian Baroque style, characterized by grandeur, harmonious proportions, and decorative richness. The main building, with its imposing and symmetrical façade, is dominated by a large portico topped by a pediment. The interiors, originally richly decorated, housed a collection of artworks and scientific instruments that Farsetti gathered during his travels.
However, it is in the gardens that Filippo Farsetti’s Enlightenment vision truly comes to life. The vast park surrounding the villa, covering about 11 hectares, was inspired by French gardens, with broad geometric layouts, tree-lined avenues, and scenic water features. Among the paths and groves, remnants of buildings inspired by ancient architectural styles can still be found today, including a temple dedicated to Minerva and a Roman-style greenhouse. These elements were not just decorative but also had an educational purpose, reflecting Farsetti’s passion for learning and research.
Why “Versailles of the Doges”? Villa Farsetti was not just a luxurious residence but also a true cultural center. Filippo Farsetti aimed to transform his villa into a kind of academy for the arts and sciences. Scholars, artists, and scientists would gather here to discuss and explore various topics, from botany to astronomy, architecture to art. The villa also housed a library and a collection of sculptures and artworks, along with a series of scientific instruments used for experiments and demonstrations. For these reasons, the villa was nicknamed “the Versailles of the Doges,” drawing parallels to the magnificence of the famous French palace, while still maintaining its Venetian character.
First and foremost, the villa echoes the model of the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of the power and luxury of the French monarchy. Filippo Farsetti, a keen traveler and culture enthusiast, took inspiration from his trips to France, where he was captivated by the elegance and grandeur of the French royal palaces, which he sought to replicate in his residence in Santa Maria di Sala, not only in its architecture but especially in the design of the gardens, with their vast geometric layouts and scenic water features.
The title “Versailles of the Doges” also refers to the idea of power and opulence typical of the Doges of Venice. Although Venice lacked a palace similar to Versailles, this grandeur was expressed through lavish villas built outside the city. In this context, Villa Farsetti reflected the Venetian nobility’s aspirations for grandeur and luxury, embodying a dream of beauty and magnificence comparable to that of Louis XIV.
© Marcadoc editorial team | 14/09/2024
