Villa Gallarati Scotti in Fontaniva, previously known as Ca' Orsato and Villa Cittadella Vigodarzere, dates back to at least the early 16th century. Its elegance shines through its neo-Classical architectural design, and its historical ownership is believed to originally be traceable to the Da Fontaniva family, only passing later to the Orsato family through matrimony. The property of Cittadella Vigodarzere since 1848, it was bequeathed by Fabrizio Orsato Andrea Cittadella Vigodarzere, enhanced by the creation of a magnificent English garden attributed to Jappelli.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Villa underwent a series of transformations. It initially served as a national meteorological observatory, later functioning as a field hospital during the First World War, and eventually being requisitioned from its rightful owners by the Nazis for their headquarters during the occupation. Over the years, the Villa has been a cherished destination for prominent figures in both national politics and the arts, counting Puccini, Croce, De Gasperi and General Cadorna among its illustrious visitors. In 1918, the villa acquired its current name, a result of the marriage between Aurelia Cittadella Vigodarzere and the Milanese writer and diplomat Tommaso Gallarati Scotti.

A national monument since 1925, it is set in a natural environment of great value, framed within a perfectly preserved English-style garden which features the typical stylistic elements of a romantic park, with gentle slopes, winding paths, small streams and a striking tree-lined frame that enriches the banks of a charming central pool. An essential scenic complement to the overall architecture, the park dates back to the second decade of the 1800s and covers an area of about three hectares. It features a remarkable variety of plant species, including some centuries-old specimens.

In a secluded spot, it is possible to discover the gracious neo-Gothic chapel, reconstructed in honour of Count Fabrizio Orsato between 1848 and 1850, and designed by Pietro Selvatico Estense, a pupil of Jappelli.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA GALLARATI SCOTTI

Villa Gallarati Scotti in Fontniva, previously known as Ca' Orsato and Villa Cittadella Vigodarzere, dates back to at least the early 16th century. Its elegance shines through its neo-Classical architectural design, and its historical ownership is believed to originally be tracable to the Da Fontaniva family, only passing later to the Orsato family through matrimony. The property of Cittadella Vigodarzere since 1848, it was bequeathed by Fabrizio Orsato to Andrea Cittadella Vigodarzere, enhanced by the creation of a magnificent English garden attributed to Jappelli.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Villa underwent a series of transformations. It initially served as a national meteorological observatory, later functioning as a field hospital during the First World War, and eventually being requisitioned from its rightful owners by the Nazis for their headquarters during the occupation. Over the years, the Villa has been a cherished destination for prominent figures in both national politics and the arts, counting Puccini, Croce, De Gasperi and General Cadorna among its illustrious visitors. In 1918, the villa acquired its current name, a result of the marriage between Aurelia Cittadella Vigodarzere and the Milanese writer and diplomat Tommaso Gallarati Scotti.

A national monument since 1925, it is set in a natural environment of great value, framed within a perfectly preserved English-style garden which features the typical stylistic elements of a romantic park, with gentle slopes, winding paths, small streams and a striking tree-lined frame that enriches the banks of a charming central pool. An essential scenic complement to the overall architecture, the park dates back to the second decade of the 1800s and covers an area of about three hectares. It features a remarkable variety of plant species, including some centuries-old specimens.

In a secluded spot, it is possible to discover the gracious neo-Gothic chapel, reconstructed in honour of Count Fabrizio Orsato between 1848 and 1850, and designed by Pietro Selvatico Estense, a pupil of Jappelli.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN PADUA

Villa Gallarati Scotti provides five rooms on the ground floor for weddings and private events, including a cooling and heating system, toilets with facilities for the disabled, a sound system, a video projector and microphones.

VISITING VILLA GALLARATI SCOTTI

Individual self-guided visits of the romantic park and the noble chapel are available, while it is possible to reserve a guided tour of the interior rooms of the Villa for groups of more than 15 people.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

The walled city of Cittadella, Bassano, Vicenza, Castelfranco Veneto.