Dreaming of elegant balls and lavish dinners? Villa Widmann is the place. We stand before a gem nestled between Venice and Padua, a villa with a story etched into its very walls.
Villa Widmann, also known as Widmann-Rezzonico-Foscari, stands as a testament to Venetian opulence. Its story began in the early 18th century. The Sceriman family from Venice built it. The villa then passed through a succession of owners. These included the Donà and Foscari families. Each left their mark on this elegant estate.
In the mid-1700s, the Widmann family acquired the villa. They ushered in an era of grandeur and refinement. The villa’s name reflects this rich lineage. Eventually, ownership returned to a later generation of Widmanns. They owned the villa until 1970. Today, the City of Venice owns Villa Widmann. It is open for tours, events, and exhibits.
Look around at the architecture. Alessandro Tirali, a Venetian architect, apparently designed the present palace. It was built in 1719. The Widmanns commissioned internal frescoes. Giuseppe Angeli, a pupil of Giambattista Piazzetta, created them. Gerolamo Mengozzi Colonna, who worked with Tiepolo, also contributed.
Notice the cypress and horse-chestnut trees surrounding Villa Widmann. Gardens are interspersed with stone statues. Gods, nymphs, and cupids populate the grounds. A barchessa and a small church are also part of the villa’s buildings. Elisabetta and Arianna Widmann are buried in this small church.
Step inside Villa Widmann. Imagine the murmur of conversations and the rustle of silk gowns. The house wraps around a frescoed ballroom. A large ornate balcony hangs overhead. Huge Venetian glass chandeliers light the ballroom. They are impressive works of art.
Ascend the stairs to the upper floor of Villa Widmann. Elegant bedrooms and sitting rooms await. En-suite bathrooms offer a glimpse into the past. Step onto the lofty balcony above the ballroom. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the frescoes, chandeliers, and ornate ballroom below.
The barchessa is an outdoor service building. It once housed kitchens, stables, and storage. Peer inside to see old carriages and saddles. They offer glimpses into the villa’s past.
One room in Villa Widmann is dedicated to the gondola. It houses a rare felze. This is a traditional Venetian boat cover.
Villa Widmann is elaborate. Yet, somehow the scale is cozy. It’s easy to imagine life here. Think of family dinners, card games, and fancy balls. The villa embodies the spirit of a bygone era. As we leave Villa Widmann, let its beauty linger in your memories. May you carry a piece of its timeless elegance with you.