Villa Rezzonico

Villa Rezzonico, nestled in the charming town of Bassano del Grappa in the province of Vicenza, is a splendid example of Venetian villa architecture. This historic estate, also known as Ca' Rezzonico di Bassano, exudes a timeless elegance and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Venetian nobility.

The History of Villa Rezzonico

The story of Villa Rezzonico begins in the early 18th century with Giovanni Battista della Torre di Rezzonico, the father of Carlo della Torre di Rezzonico, who would later become Pope Clement XIII in 1758. Giovanni Battista purchased the land from Marcantonio Baroncelli in 1701 and embarked on an ambitious project to create a grand estate. Initially attributed to the renowned architect Baldassarre Longhena, the villa's design is now more likely credited to Giorgio Massari, with some elements possibly inspired by Longhena’s earlier work.

Construction of the villa took place between 1703 and 1705, under the supervision of Francesco Zaghi. The estate underwent several modifications over the years, including the addition of corner towers and a double-height hall by 1740. These enhancements gave the villa its distinctive appearance, blending medieval and neoclassical elements.

Succession of Ownership

The Rezzonico family, prominent in commerce and economics, owned the villa from 1701 until 1810. Giovanni Battista, who initiated the construction, was succeeded by his son Aurelio, a Procurator of San Marco, and later by Lodovico, Aurelio's son. Abbondio Rezzonico, a prince and Senator of Rome, inherited the villa in 1759 and played a significant role in enhancing its artistic and cultural value.

After Abbondio's death, the villa passed to Antonio Widmann Rezzonico, his nephew, and subsequently to the Widmann-Pindemonte heirs. In 1824, the estate was sold to the noble Paolo Baroni. The Baroni-Semitecolo family retained ownership until 1920 when the villa was donated to the Civil Hospital of Bassano del Grappa by Countess Silvia Baroni-Pasolini.

In 1939, Luigi Gasparini acquired the villa, and it remained in his family until 1978. The estate then changed hands several times before being purchased by Bernardo Finco in 2017. Finco, the owner of the Finco 1865 tannery group, undertook a comprehensive restoration and revitalization project, which was completed in 2021.

Notable Events and Guests

Villa Rezzonico has long been a hub for artists and cultural figures. In the 18th century, it hosted luminaries such as the sculptor Antonio Canova, architect Giacomo Quarenghi, and writers Alessandro Manzoni, Antonio Fogazzaro, and Giosuè Carducci. The villa also welcomed patriots like Daniele Manin, Federico Confalonieri, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Distinguished statesmen, musicians, and artists have graced the villa's halls, including Napoleone Bonaparte, Urbano Rattazzi, Francesco Crispi, Giovanni Giolitti, Hans von Bülow, Richard Wagner, and Franz Liszt. The villa even served as a residence for General Andrea Massena during the Napoleonic Campaign in Italy between 1796 and 1797. In July 1797, the Congress of Bassano, an attempt to integrate Veneto into the Cisalpine Republic, was held at the villa.

In the 20th century, after a period of decline and isolation, Villa Rezzonico reopened to the public in 1978. It now hosts meetings, conferences, debates, artistic exhibitions, and musical events, making it a vibrant cultural venue.

Architectural Splendor

Villa Rezzonico's architectural complex is located south of Bassano del Grappa's historic center, near the Pilastroni and the old Leon borough. The central block, flanked by four robust corner towers, is connected to two perpendicular guesthouses via covered walkways. The estate also includes smaller annexes and a long, elegant arched building that borders the property to the north.

The expansive park, covering 30,000 square meters, extends west of the villa, maintaining a consistent width that matches the entire complex. The front garden, once geometrically arranged in the Italian style, is enclosed by the guesthouses. The solid marble balustrade and moat, along with the ancient road to Padua, frame the villa, creating a picturesque and scenic view.

The villa's exterior combines medieval and neoclassical elements. The walls, with their linear and simple design, hint at the future neoclassical style, while the imposing portal contrasts with the otherwise austere façade. Above the entrance, the coat of arms of Pope Clement XIII is prominently displayed.

The corner towers, devoid of decoration, feature a series of bands and moldings between the first and second floors, continuing the cornice line. The guesthouses, with their differing layouts, reflect their varied ages and functions. Both structures are preceded by rustic colonnades, with the southern one modeled after the northern one. The central pediments of the guesthouses display the emblem of Abbondio Rezzonico and the symbol of the tower.

Within the northern guesthouse, the Chapel of San Giovanni Battista features an eastern-facing façade typical of Venetian architecture of the time. The central portal, topped by a triangular pediment and connected to a rose window, adds to the chapel's charm. The octagonal interior connects to a small apse chapel and other rooms in the guesthouse. The adjacent bell tower, accessible only from within, is topped with a copper-covered dome and a golden angel.

Interior Grandeur

Entering Villa Rezzonico, visitors are greeted by a grand hall. The symmetrical side staircases, preceded by triumphal arches, the large ceiling painting, the stucco formations at the intersections of the vaults, and the balustrade running around the hall create a dramatic and cohesive scene. The layout follows classical principles, with the central hall rising through the building's height, flanked by symmetrical rooms on the ground and first floors.

Villa Rezzonico is a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of Venetian villa architecture. Its rich history, cultural significance, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Veneto region.