VILLA ZILERI MOTTERLE, A VENETIAN VILLA IN MONTEVIALE NEAR VICENZA

Villa Zileri Motterle is a historical monumental complex located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Vicenza, nestled in an extensive historic park and surrounded by extensive countryside. Villa Zileri consists of three main components: the main building, which houses the Hall of Honour on the ‘piano nobile’ first floor which features frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, the ‘Grotto delle Conchiglie’ shell-decorated grotto and the Church of San Francesco; the residential part, comprising approximately 40 apartments for rental that have been converted from rustic outbuildings; and the executive area, containing elegant, spacious premises where one can be immersed in a timeless oasis without having to sacrifice all the modern comforts and infrastructure that are required nowadays. The entire estate is enclosed in a vast Historical Park, which is rich in rare and centuries-old trees and plants.

FRESCOES BY GIAMBATTISTA TIEPOLO

From an artistic perspective, Villa Zileri is renowned for being the first Villa in Vicenza to have been frescoed in the early 18th century by the then-emerging artist Giambattista Tiepolo. The artist was commissioned to celebrate the civic virtues of the noble house of its patron, Niccolò Loschi, breaking away from conventional allegorical representations by creatively inventing new motifs and using a vibrant and unrestrained approach to colour.

THE ’GROTTO DELLE CONCHIGLIE’

The ‘Grotto delle Conchiglie’, a man-made cave-like structure adorned with seashells, is to be found on the ground floor. This vaulted room was created at the behest of Alfonso Loschi, with the desire of evoking wonder in guests at the Villa. This effect is successfully achieved, thanks to the rich decoration of shells creating an original ornamentation on the walls and ceiling, framing frescoes from the School of Giulio Carpioni that depict mythological scenes.

THE CHAPEL OF SAN FRANCESCO

The Chapel of St. Francis is adjacent to the Villa. Erected in the 17th century on the initiative of Countess Elisabetta Poiana, the wife of Fabrizio Loschi, it was later rebuilt by architect Caregaro Negrin, as commissioned by Countess Drusilla Dal Verme. The architect duly reorganised the spaces according to the eclectic architectural tastes prevalent at the time.

THE HISTORICAL PARK

The uniqueness of the Historical Park surrounding Villa Zileri Motterle lies in the perfect harmony between the natural environment of the surrounding hills and countryside, and the historical-cultural setting of this monumental park. It is home to some rare and indigenous species of flora and many majestic centuries-old trees. Created in the mid-19th century by Antonio Caregaro Negrin based on a project by Milanese architect Balzaretti, the monumental park modified the existing garden, which had been designed by Architect Antonio Marchi. The 19th-century layout reflects the canons of the romantic taste of the English garden, where rounded flowerbeds, fragrant flowers and brilliant colours were intended to intoxicate and enchant its visitors – a goal that continues to be achieved to this day!

THE HISTORY OF VILLA ZILERI MOTTERLE

The generous layout and intricate features at Villa Zileri create an environment rich with evocative possibilities and interpretations, all of which are shaped by the visitor's own experience: for some, coming here has the sensation of ‘coming home’; for others, they are entering the complex to attend a conference or a professional meeting; while there are those who choose to come to visit the Villa and its frescoes as a monument and testimony of a civilisation. Villa Zileri is therefore to all effects a living, breathing home, a place where, both today and in the past, the everyday life of dwelling and productivity merges with the dimension of another reality. Visitors are transported through the enchantment of time that has accumulated over centuries, along paths of sublime natural beauty in an unparalleled location, or through the lively and luminous charm of paintings that are truly unique in the world. When entering Villa Zileri, you have the sensation of embarking on a journey full of charm, history, and culture spanning over six hundred years.

In 1436, Count Antonio Nicolò dei Loschi, who belonged to one of the most important noble families of Vicenza, acquired an estate of 800 fields in the countryside of Biron, which held a strategic position on the outskirts of the city. The subsequent development and success of agricultural economic activity resulted in the successful growth of the Villa, which became a reference point and hub for the entire surrounding territory. After passing to the Zileri family by inheritance in the second half of the 19th century, the complex was more recently the subject of careful restoration work, and has been adapted to contemporary residential and managerial functions, carried out at the initiative of the current owners. Today, Villa Zileri is a unique example of the valorisation and integration of a Venetian Villa into today's economic and cultural life.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT VILLA ZILERI MOTTERLE

Villa Zileri combines the convenience of an easily accessible location – it is situated just a few minutes from the motorway exit and the historic centre of Vicenza – with the added appeal and prestige of a site which is steeped in history and art. Art and culture come together here, but not at the cost of functionality, as we also offer a host of services and technical amenities: a large car park, a restaurant renowned for its excellent local specialties and a fast Wi-Fi connection are just some of the additional services that the Villa provides.

DISABLED ACCESSIBILITY

The paths that wind along our historical monumental park are mostly gravel, but the route is easily accessible for wheelchairs. Villa Zileri, however, is only partially accessible to people with restricted mobility, and a specially designated route is provided and must be accompanied by an escort. Access to the ‘piano nobile’ first floor of the Villa is permitted by lift. We therefore recommend that you pre-book, in order to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

THE MONUMENTAL PARK

The vast Monumental Park, which spans 34,000 square metres surrounding the main buildings and rustic outbuildings, is home to imposing, majestic trees that have reached their full maturity and bear witness to the 19th-century layout of the garden in typically romantic style. These trees hold significant naturalistic and historical value and are considered rare examples of grandeur and longevity due to their age and size, with references to events and memories of historical and cultural importance.

Of special mention among the most important specimens in the Park is the magnificent, soaring Tassodio or ‘Cipresso calvo’ (‘Bald Cypress’) deciduous conifer tree, which is impossible to miss as it stands 32 metres in height and has a 635 cm circumference. Situated at the beginning of the ‘Barchessa’ building, it welcomes tourists entering Villa Zileri and cannot fail to charm with its remarkably extended foliage and admirable stature. At its side, supported by a large brace, is an Oak tree, which is 31 metres tall and 200 years old.

Also noteworthy is the cluster of Plane trees, among which the largest example in the province stands proud at 44 metres tall. It boasts a circumference of 589 cm and is 300 years old.

A group of Ginkgo Biloba trees, dating back to around 1850, forms a pathway leading to the Magnolias, which form the natural scenic backdrop of the Villa. They are also notable for reaching a height of almost 30 metres, and for being part of the 19th-century project designed by Caregaro Negrin.

Other specimens have sadly disappeared, some due to natural factors, others to competition from species better suited to the site's phytoclimatic conditions, or because of a lack in previous decades of specific care and maintenance and the replacement of diseased plants, as was the case in the initial phase of the garden’s stewardship.

VISITING THE VILLA 

Opening times:

Monday to Sunday - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday - from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Closed in the afternoon.

The visit of the Villa includes access to the:

• Hall of Honour on the ‘piano nobile’ first floor frescoed by Giambattista Tiepolo
• Historical Monumental Park
• Grotta delle Conchiglie
• Chapel of St. Francis.

Entrance tickets:

• Regular ticket: € 12.00
• Hall of Honour: € 10.00
• Park: € 8.00
• Groups: € 8.00
• Schools: € 5.00
• Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 reductions): € 30.00