Villa Foscari, Mira

Villa Foscari in Mira is the most beautiful country mansion of patricians from Venice. It was created by the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio for one of the most influential families of Venice, Foscari. Along with other similar creations of the architect, the majestic villa is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

History of the villa

The construction of the country villa was commissioned by Niccolo Foscari, a descendant of the famous Venetian Doge Francesco Foscari. According to various sources, the works started in 1556 or in 1559. The project involved Andrea Palladio, an outstanding master of the late Renaissance. Interior design was entrusted to the artists Giovanni Battista Zelotti and Battista Franco.

In 1560, after the death of the sponsor, the work was continued under the patronage of his brother, Alvise. In 1561, the artist Giorgio Vasari took over the interior decoration. All works on the estate were finished in 1566. In subsequent years, the villa turned from the mansion into a real complex. It has acquired a number of other buildings: a farm, stables, a barn, a ferry, a garden and a hotel. But at the beginning of the 19th century, the villa fell into disrepair, and in 1848 all the accompanying buildings were dismantled.

From 1885 to 1954 a tram track existed nearby, and until 1925 the villa itself was used as an agricultural warehouse. In 1925, the mansion was bought by Alberto Clinton Landsberg, and he also carried out a significant restoration. The next one was carried out in 1960. In 1973, the estate became the property of Antonio Foscari, heir to the ancient family. He tried to restore the villa and to include it in 1996 in the list of protected sites of UNESCO.

Architecture

• Because of the high level of groundwater, the architect created a high basement of the building. Thus, the mansion was greatly raised above the ground, resembling an ancient temple. Actually, Temple of Clitumnus served as the prototype for the villa.
• Brick was used for the construction, and only decorations and capitals of the columns were made of stone. But skilful plaster gave the building a very elegant look.
• The villa has 3 floors, it is made in the form of a symmetrical parallelepiped.
• Form the inside, the main floor of the building is divided into 2 parts, each having 3 identical apartments. An Ionian portico supporting a powerful triangular gable is outside, at the level of the main floor.
• The roof is covered with tiles and topped with 4 thin spiers.

Interior and legend

The interior of the Villa Foscari is richly decorated with many frescoes. The ceilings, arches, lunettes, windows, walls – everything is filled with beautiful illustrations. Most of them are devoted to ancient Roman mythology and legends. During the restoration of the villa, the atmosphere of the 16th century was recreated thanks to the furnishings and furniture of that time. This emphasizes the architectural masterpiece of Andrea Palladio.

The legend of the "dissatisfied "

The villa has another name, more popular among the locals – La Malcontenta (translated as “dissatisfied”). There are several versions of the origin of this name. The most famous one says that the obstinate wife of one of the prominent family representatives, who led a dissolute life, was imprisoned in a villa. She had lived here for 30 years until her death, although none of the locals had ever seen her. This legend does not explain how a woman managed to survive, because she was there by herself, never left the house, and no one brought her food.

A more plausible version says that the name La Malcontenta appeared as far back as 1431 because of the discontent of local residents with the construction of the Brenta canal.

How to get there

Villa Foscari is located on the banks of the Brenta Canal, in the commune of Mira, on Via dei Turisti, 9. It is 15 km away from the center of Venice. Villa Pisani and Forte Marghera Museum are situated at a relatively short distance. You can get here from the bus station in Venice by bus routes 53E, 56, get off at the stop Malcontenta Chiesa. It is about 500 meters from the bus stop to the villa.

Opening hours: the villa can be visited in the warm season, from April to October. It is open from 9:00 to 12:00. Monday and Thursday are days off. Phone number (+39) 041 5470012.

Admission: The price of a ticket for an adult is 10 euros, for visitors aged 17–25 years – 8 euros, and 11–16 – 6 euros. For children under 11, accompanied by parents – admission is free. Data on the cost of admission and opening hours may vary.