Villa Priuli Grimani Morosini, building in Martellago, Italy
Villa Priuli Grimani Morosini, also known as Ca' della Nave, is a large three-story house in Martellago with a square footprint and pyramid-shaped roof topped by a cupola. Adjacent to the main building stand two low-lying wing structures, one featuring a corner tower, with interior rooms decorated by frescoes painted by artists including Giambattista Zelotti, Francesco Fontebasso, and Francesco Zugno.
The villa was built between 1566 and 1575 by the Priuli family, a wealthy Venetian clan whose members became doges of the city. After the Priuli family sold the property, the Grimani family acquired it and expanded the estate in the early 1700s with new wing structures and commissioned new artworks. The villa gained protection as a historic monument during the 20th century.
Villa Priuli Grimani Morosini, also known as Ca' della Nave, reflects how wealthy families used their country estates to display power and taste. The frescoes depicting mythological scenes and allegories remain visible on the walls and ceilings, revealing the artistic values that shaped the lives of its residents.
The villa is centrally located in Martellago and is easily accessible by car or local transportation. Visits typically occur during special opening days organized by cultural heritage groups, allowing visitors to explore the rooms, view the frescoes, and walk through the gardens at a relaxed pace. Advance planning helps ensure access to the interior.
A distinctive feature is the corner tower called the palazzetto, which once served as a popular coffee house retreat for guests to gather and socialize. The property is also home to a towering oak tree dating to the 1800s, which dominates the gardens and reflects centuries of landscape development.
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