Wow What a magnificent entrance This is Villa Benetton detta La Marignana.
This stunning 18th-century villa boasts a rich history. It wasn’t always a museum. Originally a country home for noble Venetian families it changed hands many times. The Bevilacqua family owned it. Then the Bozzetti Spinelli followed by Francesco Bortoletto and the Astori family. The Fossati and Dall’Aglio families also owned it before its most significant transformation.
In 1967 sculptor Toni Benetton purchased Villa Benetton detta La Marignana. He transformed it into a vibrant center for art and culture. He didn’t just live here. He established the International Wrought Iron Academy. He also created the International Documentation Center on iron bronze and other metals. The villa now houses the Toni Benetton Museum. It showcases his impressive iron macrosculptures.
Look closely at the villa’s architecture. Notice its Venetian layout. The four residential blocks form an L-shape. The longer part runs parallel to the road. The shorter part is perpendicular. The exterior is simple yet elegant. A wrought-iron balcony catches the light. A triangular tympanum adds a touch of grandeur.
Step inside and you’ll discover even more treasures. The ceilings are in the Sansovino style. Typical Venetian floors grace the rooms. Stucco adorns the walls. One room boasts a fireplace made of rare red marble.
The grounds are equally captivating. The main entrance leads to a paved square. Stone seats and wells add to the charm. A centuries-old Lebanese cedar stands tall in the middle of the square. Beyond the house lies a large park. It covers over 4.95 acres. Lush vegetation abounds. Tall trees provide shade over the expansive lawns. Benetton’s sculptures are scattered throughout the park. Large iron figures depict animals dancers saints and heroes. Some of the most notable include “La Colonna” “Forme Ogivali” “Il Grande Arco” and “La Grande Molla”.
Don’t miss the engraved gates at the entrance. They feature statues attributed to a member of the family of sculptor Giovanni Bonazza. These details are just as impressive as the sculptures.
Villa Benetton detta La Marignana is more than just a villa. It’s a testament to art history and the vision of one man. It’s a place where the past meets the present creating a unique and unforgettable experience.