Villa degli Azzoni Avogadro was constructed during the 17th century and and its current appearance reflects the renovations and enlargement undertaken in the previous century by Count Rizzolino degli Azzoni Avogadro. The Villa was erected on the ruins of an ancient castle composed of three towers arranged in a triangle and connected by a large battlemented wall. Within the first set of walls, two fortified roads provided access to the hill's summit where the keep of the castle stood. It was for this reason that the tower was called ‘the crossroads’ or “il bivio”, or from which the name Bivai was derived.

The Castle of Bivai endured repeated attacks and periods of devastation, suffering greatly in particular during the siege led by Ezzelino da Romano. Impressed by the military prowess of Giorgio Teupone, who was guarding its defences, Ezzelino appointed him as his captain. The Teupone family became the Lords of the Castello di Bivai and also owned Castello di Bolpere near the village of Formicano. They were descendants of Teupo, a captain of the Goths, who arrived in Feltre in 407 A.D. According to Daniele Tomitano, he was considered “neither barbaric nor cruel, was well-liked in the area and had numerous offspring”.

The Teupone dynasty consistently provided their homeland with outstanding warriors and generous patrons. Pietro Teupone joined the people of Feltre in the First Crusade, while Georgio Teupone was a valiant captain in Padua, Vicenza, Verona and other parts of Italy in the service of Ezzelino da Romano. Cavaliere Giovanni Teupone was the last remaining member of this family. He made generous contributions to the Church of S. Vittore and left important donations to the Cathedral of Feltre that still exist today. The Teupone family was associated with the Guelf faction.

The Villa housed a rich and comprehensive collection of minerals and gypsum models of local mushrooms.

Count Carlo Avogadro degli Azzoni was appointed Mayor of Santa Giustina during the first municipal elections of the Kingdom of Italy on 7 October 1866.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION, WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS AT VILLA DEGLI AZZONI AVOGADRO

It is possible to rent the Villa for:

• Conferences: maximum capacity of 90 guests
• Weddings: maximum capacity of 120 guests in 2 reception rooms
• Business meetings
• Special events.

Prices: starting from €1500.00.

Accommodation is available for up to 22 people in 8 apartments.

Price for one apartment for 4 people: €120 per night.