Villa Valmarana ai nani

Villa Valmarana ai Nani, in Vicenza, is a grand monumental complex, still today a family residence, made up of a Palazzina (small palazzo), Foresteria (guest house), Scuderia (stables) and a magnificent historic park.

The Villa’s name originates from the 17 statues of dwarves (nani) set on the wall surrounding the property, probably the work of Francesco Uliaco based on designs by Giandomenico Tiepolo, linked to a famous legend of a princess named Layana.

The Villa is considered one of the pinnacles of 18^th-century painting, and a consummate testimonial to the genius of two artists, Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, commissioned to decorate it with frescoes in 1757 by its owner, Giustino Valmarana.

J. W. Goethe wrote that the different atmospheres he perceived in the Villa were the consequence of the “sublime” vocation of  Giambattista, who painted the first floor of the Palazzina, and the “natural” bent of Giandomenico, who frescoed the rooms of the Foresteria.

This occasion to compare the work of father and son in the rooms of the same Villa complex is absolutely unique.

The Villa Valmarana complex is open for unaccompanied and guided visits, educational programs, weddings and events.

Guests can stay in elegant apartments in the Palazzina and the Foresteria.