The Brenta Canal

"Composed by an ingenious gardener, for the amusement of ladies and cicisbeans in the time of the calcagnini and the guardinfanti" (Gabriele D'Annunzio, Il Fuoco).

Along the banks of the Brenta, which from the magical Venice to the learned Padua, winds an enchanting route...

Between history and culture, the Brenta Canal welcomes architectural beauties that replicate the sumptuous Venetian palaces.

The Brenta is in fact considered an ideal extension of the Grand Canal on the mainland.

Its origins date back to the time of the Serenissima, when the nobles brought with them artists and craftsmen who spread their art in the area.

Here you can find some of the testimonies of that particular category of buildings of the Venetian Villas...

which constitute a separate chapter in the history of architecture, a unitary complex illuminated by the great name of Andrea Palladio.

Renowned and imitated thanks to the fame of Venetian artists and writers who loved them such as Carlo Goldoni, Marco Gozzi, Giacomo Casanova, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Gabriele D'Annunzio...

... illustrious guests also at Villa Widmann.

Due to its characteristics, Villa Widmann offers a privileged access point to the life of Venetian patricians during their holidays...

...and precious example of Venetian Rococo with suggestive frescoes of mythological and allegorical scenes.

Point of reference to visit in the best way the Venetian mainland and especially the villas...

... discover the routes and excursions on the Brenta and the Lagoon of Venice, the gastronomic delicacies not to be renounced.

Venetians, but not only, chose the Riviera for their holidays.

The villas in the countryside, as well as hosting illustrious men such as Popes, Doges, Kings and Consuls, were the refuge where the nobles lazed and enjoyed themselves.

The villas gradually became sumptuous residences in which the prestige of the family had to shine...

The expansion of the outdoor and indoor spaces corresponded to a pompous unfolding of the gardens.

The Brenta was transformed from a pure trade route to a residential parade, "an almost village in the city of Venice".

These sumptuous villas surrounded by majestic parks are considered the gems of this place.

Immersed in a romantic nature, the villas have gardens that are considered true works of art. Gods, nymphs, cupids: mute presences surrounded by rare and monumental trees.

But the nobles did not come here only for the dreamlike beauty...

The villas were also an important control point for business on the mainland.

With its info point and the numerous events it hosts, Villa Widmann is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the era of sumptuous festivities...

... and on romantic walks among linden trees, cypresses and horse chestnuts.

Places, not to be missed, to spend happy hours among art, culture, nature and gastronomy!