Villa Pisani

Called the "Queen of Venetian Villas," the Villa Pisani really is a grand dame on the Brenta River. Located near Padova in what was the Venetian countryside, the villas along the Brenta were sumptuous manors built by aristocratic families as an extension of court life and to show off their wealth. The Pisani did it up in a big way with this magnificent residence and its grand garden.

Built by Andrea Pisani Alvise, it was designed with 114 rooms to celebrate the fact that he was Venice's 114th doge. The great halls were decorated to impress with frescoes and artwork, including Tiepolo's masterpiece immortalizing The Glory of the Pisani Family. They were a dynasty of merchants and land barons, with an opulent palazzo in Venice in addition to this exuberant estate. Andrea Pisani Alvise was ambassador to the court of Louis XIV and entertained dignitaries. When the family fell on hard times due to decadence and gambling, it was sold to the Hapsburgs, and the empress of Austria hosted the aristocracy of Europe here, including kings, czars and rulers. It was then sold to Napoleon in 1807. At the unification of Italy, it went to the State and became known as "La Nazionale".

The villa itself is a sight to behold, but the gardens are a work of art in their own right and famous throughout the peninsula, having been named the most beautiful garden in Italy. With 11 hectares, there are manicured hedges, riotous flowers, statues, and carefully designed areas, in French style. The highlight is the intricate labyrinth with a turret in the middle; legend says Napoleon refused to enter it for fear of not finding his way out. There is also an elegant 18th century coffee house.

A visit to the Villa Pisani transports you to another era. It is between Padova and Venice on the Brenta River.