Overview
In the heart of the Euganean Hills, in Luvigliano di Torreglia, stands the evocative Villa dei Vescovi, a perfect combination of Renaissance elegance and Roman classicism. This Renaissance residence, considered one of the most beautiful in the Paduan territory, tells a story steeped in art, culture and rebirth. Set on a hillock with a panoramic view, surrounded by the natural amphitheatre of the Pendice, Pirio and Rina mountains, Villa dei Vescovi is a treasure trove of elegance and finesse. Originally called Livianum, this place was chosen by the bishops of Padua since the 11th century to house a casa dominicale ("Sunday house"). The real transformation of the Villa took place in the 16th century, thanks to Cardinal Francesco Pisani, a Venetian nobleman fascinated by classical art. The Veronese architect Giovanni Maria Falconetto and his student Andrea Da Valle, with the contribution of Giulio Romano, transformed the place into a unique architectural work. The building, characterised by a square plan on a high plinth, external loggias, central compluvium and main entrance to the south, recalls the model of ancient Roman villas. Over the years, the architects Da Valle and Vincenzo Scamozzi made some changes on behalf of the subsequent bishops, moving the main entrance to the west and creating a square courtyard with monumental arches. The interior of the villa, frescoed in 1542–1543 by Lambert Sustris under consultation by Giulio Romano, contains striking mythological paintings and rural landscapes. Since 2005, the villa has belonged to the FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, and is the venue for countless events, especially in the summer season: from concerts to tastings, from picnics in the park to dinners and aperitifs in the vineyard, to the monthly appointment, from March to November, with the local produce market. At the exclusive Enoteca Strada del Vino Colli Euganei, located at the Villa, you can purchase wines and carefully selected local gastronomic products, taking home an authentic taste of Euganean delicacies. At Villa dei Vescovi, you will enjoy a unique experience amidst the frescoed interiors and the enchanting surrounding garden, framed by the natural beauty of the Euganean Hills.
