Villa Valmarana “ai Nani” is a famous Venetian villa that stands on the hills around Vicenza, not far from Monte Berico and the famous Villa Capra known as “La Rotonda”. It is particularly known for a magnificent cycle of frescoes, the work of Giambattista Tiepolo and his son Giandomenico.
The Villa includes three buildings: Palazzina, Foresteria and Scuderia; after the latter you come across the botanical garden and the woods where the pagoda and a small church are located.
The origins of the Valmarana family are very ancient, in fact the first documents date back to 1174 and they were one of the most influential families in Vicenza and some of them held political offices
The frescoes have mythological and epic themes: the scenes are taken from immortal literary works such as “Iliad”, “Odyssey”, “Orlando Furioso” by Ludovico Ariosto, and “Jerusalem Delivered” by Torquato Tasso.
The Villa owes its curious nickname to the presence of 17 statues of dwarves(nani in italian) . Originally the statues were located in the park, but now they are placed above the surrounding wall. They are linked to the legend of Princess Layana, dwarf daughter of one of the owners of the villa forced to live “imprisoned” in the high walls of the complex and her parents were given orders to choose only dwarves as servants and custodians of the villa to make the Princess feel more at ease. But one day a prince entered the fortress in search of the girl and when she saw him she realized his “difference” and in desperation she took her own life, when she threw herself from the tower the dwarf servants were petrified with pain.
The Villa is open every day except for some national holidays with continuous hours from 10.00 to 18.00, reservations are required only for groups of more than 15 people and for guided tours.
The cost of the guided tour is €15.00 per person
Click here to find out the list of reduced and discounted prices and to buy your ticket online.
For more information, visit the official website.
The villa is only 20 minutes from our Residence La Mason, click here to find out the location of Villa Valmarana;
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