The
central residential space is erected on the remains of a medieval castle
or manor house. Its facade features four engaged Ionic columns adapted
from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. As at nearby Villa Emo,
barchesse (farm buildings) extend symmetrically from the left and right
of the central structure. The ends of the barchesse are surmounted by
dovecotes, each with a large sundial on the facade. The result is the
famous 5-part profile familiar in later Palladio-inspired architecture,
including the U. S. Capitol building (with the Houses of Congress replacing
the dovecotes!).
The
interior of the central residence is highlighted by magnificent frescos
executed between 1560 and 1562 principally by Paolo Veronese.
Set
in the hillside at the rear of the central residence is a spectacular
spring-fed statuary grotto known as a nymphaeum. The nymphaeum may have
been the conception of the villa's patrons. One of them, Marc'Antonio
Barbaro, executed several of its statues and contributed other sculptural
decoration to the villa as well.
History.
The villa first descended through female lines in the same family until
1838. In 1934 the villa was acquired by Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata,
who began the restoration that has returned to villa to its present
condition. Today his granddaughter resides at the villa with her family.
Tourist
Information.
Location: Maser
(Treviso District). Accessible by car from Asolo (10km) or Venice (60km).
Hours:
Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday only:
3:00-6:00
p. m. ( March-September)
2:30-5:00 p. m.(October-February)
The Tempietto (chapel) open Tuesdays, upon request (Tel. 0423/565-002)
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