Between the 1300s and 1400s, the Republic of Venice began to turn its attention to the mainland, which it had previously overlooked, both to secure material resources and to establish greater military control. As a result, from the 14th century onwards, the mainland became populated with magnificent Venetian villas, including one that is very well preserved today: Villa Tiepolo Passi in Carbonera, near Treviso.
The initial construction work on the villa began in the early 1500s, though the villa in its entirety dates back to the early 1600s. The location, purchased by the noble Tiepolo family, was no coincidence: it was an ancient fortification, known as Castèo, a Paleo-Venetian settlement with a huge sundial, oriented by the stars, which still exists today and can be visited.
Over the centuries, the villa was enriched by the work of renowned artists: the Torretti sculptors, Giuseppe Bernardi and his nephew Ferrari, in whose workshop the young Canova worked; Pietro Antonio Cerva, known as “Il Bolognese”; Giovanbattista Canal, the nephew of Canaletto; and Francesco Frigimelica the Elder.
Outside, there extends a magnificent Italian garden, which stretches into a spectacular two-and-a-half-kilometer-long front perspective, featuring the unique elements of the large sundial, the grotto-icehouse, and the peacock garden.
Today, the villa is still inhabited and can be visited by appointment every Sunday from March to November at 11:00 AM. Additionally, it is also possible to stay in the rooms and apartments of the Foresteria.
For more information: Tel. + 39 329 7406219 / www.villatiepolopassi.it / info@villatiepolopassi.it
© Marcadoc editorial team | 11/08/2024
