Villa Trissino Marzotto

The oldest part of Villa Trissino Marzotto can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the Trissino family, believed to have Germanic origins, constructed a castle at the heart of their feudal domain. In the latter half of the 15th century, this structure underwent a transformation into a country residence, shedding its military attributes over time. In the 18th century, significant renovations were carried out under the guidance of architects Francesco Muttoni from Lugano and Girolamo dal Pozzo from Verona. During the same period, a different branch of the family commissioned the Lower Villa, though the identity of its architect remains unknown, with the entrance portal often attributed to Girolamo Frigimelica from Padua.

After enduring a fire and changing hands to the Trissino family, who already owned the Upper Villa, it suffered another blaze and was eventually left as an aesthetically pleasing ruin. In the mid-19th century, the entire estate was acquired by the Da Porto family. The Villa faced a period of severe neglect during the Second World War, which was rectified when Count Giannino Marzotto acquired it in 1951 and undertook its restoration.

The history of Villa Trissino Marzotto
The estate’s origins can be traced back to a Roman ruin, with documented records dating as far back as 1101. During the 15th century, the land was transformed into a garden, and in the 18th century, it underwent extensive redesign work led by architects Francesco Muttoni, Girolamo dal Pozzo and Girolamo Frigimelica. This period also saw the addition of numerous trees and more than 100 statues, many of which are attributed to Orazio Marinali and his school, along with contributions from Giacomo Cassetti and his associates.

The 18th century also witnessed the construction of two villas on the property: the Upper Villa, owned by the Trissino family from the Baston branch, and the Lower Villa, belonging to the Trissino family from the Riale branch. Unfortunately, the Lower Villa suffered two devastating fires, one at the end of the 18th century and another on 13 June 1841, which left it in a state of picturesque ruin.

The park
The sprawling 20-hectare park is divided into lush woodlands and picturesque meadow clearings. Groups of large trees and isolated specimens, some of which are over 200 years old, add scenic accents to the landscape. These majestic trees also serve as a connecting link to the Italian gardens that envelop the villas. They are a splendid composition of carefully manicured hedges, vibrant flower beds, terraces and avenues artfully adorned with meticulously pruned plants showcasing the fine craft of topiary.

The Upper Villa features a large lawn graced with statues and enclosed by gates and walls. Above this area stands the ‘cavallerizza’, once the site for horse training and riding. Starting here, a long cedar-lined avenue leads to the Muttoni parterre. In front of the Lower Villa, a grand double staircase gracefully descends to the magnificent octagonal fountain. The entrance portal, a testament to architectural artistry, is attributed to Frigimelica, while numerous wrought-iron gates throughout the property showcase the imaginative craftsmanship of 18th-century Venetian artisans.

Acquired in a state of abandonment, the property was purchased by Count Giannino Marzotto in 1950, who undertook the restoration of the Upper Villa, its outbuildings and the park.