Villa Zileri

Villa Zileri Motterle is still set in a vast historical park, which in turn is surrounded by an extensive countryside area. Villa Zileri is divided into three main units: the central body, which encloses the Hall on the Piano Nobile with frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, the Grotta delle Conchiglie and the Church of St. Francis; All framed by a vast historical park, rich in rare and centuries-old plants.

From an artistic point of view, Villa Zileri is known for being the first Vicenza villa to have been frescoed in the early 18th century by the then-emerging Giambattista Tiepolo: here the artist was called upon to celebrate the civic virtues of the noble house of the patron, Niccolò Loschi, going beyond traditional allegorical schemes in the lively invention of motifs and colouristic freedom.

On the ground floor is the "Grotta delle Conchiglie" (Shell Grotto): a vaulted room created at the behest of Alfonso Loschi with the desire to arouse the guest’s wonder, an effect achieved thanks to the rich decoration of the shells that create an original ornamentation on the walls and ceiling, framing frescoes by the School of Giulio Carpioni depicting mythological scenes.

Connected to the Villa, we find the ''Chapel of St. Francis''. Built in 1600 on the initiative of Countess Elisabetta Poiana - wife of Fabrizio Loschi - it was later rebuilt by architect Caregaro Negrin, commissioned by Countess Drusilla Dal Verme. The architect reorganised the spaces according to the taste of the architectural eclecticism of the time.

The Historical Park

The peculiarity of the Historical Park surrounding Villa Zileri Motterle is the perfect harmony between the natural environment of the hills and the surrounding countryside, and the historical-cultural environment of the monumental park. It is home to some rare and spontaneous species of flora and majestic centuries-old trees. Created in the mid-19th century by Antonio Caregaro Negrin on the basis of a design by the Milanese architect Balzaretti, the Monumental Park modifies the existing garden, which had been designed by arch. Antonio Marchi. The 19th-century design reflects the canons of the romantic taste for the English garden, where rounded flowerbeds, fragrant flowers and bright colours were meant to intoxicate the guest and make him dream... succeeding even today!

The large monumental park, which with its 34,000 m² surrounds the manor buildings and rustic outbuildings, is home to imposing monumental trees, which have reached their full maturity and bear witness to the 19th-century layout of the garden in a typically romantic style. Trees of high naturalistic and historical value, which due to their age and size are considered rare examples of majesty and longevity, with references to events and memories relevant to cultural history.

Among the most important specimens in the park is the majestic and imposing Tassodio (or 'bald cypress'), which, with its 635 cm in circumference and 32 metres in height, certainly does not go unnoticed. Situated at the beginning of the Barchessa, it welcomes tourists as they enter Villa Zileri, captivating them with its remarkably expanded foliage and admirable bearing. At its side, supported by a large crutch, is the Oak Tree, 31 metres high and 200 years old. Then there is the group of Platani trees, among which the largest in the province stands out: 44 metres high and 300 years old, it boasts a circumference of 589 cm.

Or, again, the group of Gyngko Biloba trees that, dating back to around 1850, form a pathway leading to the Magnolias: the Villa's natural backdrops. They too are notable for being almost 30 metres high and for being part of Caregaro Negrin's 19th-century design.

Other specimens, on the other hand, have disappeared due to natural factors, competition from species more suited to the phytoclimatic conditions of the site, or due to the lack of specific care, maintenance and replacement of diseased plants in past decades, as was the case in the initial phase of Giardino management.

Accessibility

The paths that wind along the Historical Monumental Park are mostly made of gravel, but the route is easily passable even with wheelchairs. The historic building of Villa Zileri, on the other hand, is partially accessible to the disabled for whom a specially identified route is foreseen to be carried out with a companion. Access to the Noble Floor of the Villa is allowed by lift. It is therefore advisable to book the visit to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Perfect for Families

In every season – like an open-air museum – Villa Zileri Motterle offers a vast program of events, educational activities and itineraries that make it suitable for families.

Pet Friendly

At Villa Zileri Motterle our four-legged friends are welcome in the Historical Monumental Park as long as they are led on a leash (no longer than 1.50 meters), with the necessary equipment for collecting excrement and under their own responsibility. Access to dogs is not allowed in the park at the back and in closed rooms such as: the Hall on the main floor, the Grotta delle Conchiglie and the Church of S. Francesco.

For information, opening hours and rates, we advise you to visit the website.

Contacts
Viale Zileri, 4/6 - 36050 Monteviale (VI)
M. +39 351 5345013
www.villazileri.com