Villa Cordellina Lombardi

Why visit

In the 18th century, wealthy families from Venice and Vicenza built country villas across the Veneto, following the model set by Palladio two centuries earlier. Villa Cordellina is one of the most elegant of them, with a classical front, side wings and formal gardens decorated with statues. It belongs to the Province of Vicenza and is used for conferences, concerts and events.

Tiepolo’s hall

The highlight is the central hall, where Giambattista Tiepolo, the greatest Venetian painter of his day, painted scenes from ancient history on the walls and an allegory on the ceiling. They show the generosity of great leaders, a compliment to the villa’s owner. Tiepolo also painted at Villa Valmarana ai Nani near Vicenza, which makes a good pair with this visit.

What to see

• The great hall: Tiepolo’s frescoes, bright and full of movement.
• The façade: Massari’s calm classical front, with its temple-like centre.
• The gardens: lawns, avenues and statues around the villa.
• The outbuildings: the arched gateways and wings of the estate.

Tips

• Opening days and times change with the season and with events. Check with the villa or the town before you go.
• Combine the villa with the castles above it in our one-day itinerary.
• Read our guide to the villas near Vicenza.