Villa Barbarigo a Valsanzibio

The Villa Barbarigo a Valsanzibio is a 1700s rural palace of little note, located on over 40 acres south of Padua, built by the Venetian aristocratic family of the Barbarigo. It is girded by a remarkable Baroque garden, with statuary (including a statue of aged and winged time carrying a dodecahedron), water works, architecture, and even a Boxwood labyrinth. Originally commissioned in 1669 by Zuane Francesco Barbarigo, the villa was once accessible by canal from Venice. The construction continued under Zuane's son, Gregorio Barbarigo, a Cardinal and future Saint, with plans by Luigi Bernini. The sculpture was mainly completed by Enrico Merengo. The plan was meant to define the approach to the villa as an allegory of man's progress towards his own perfectibility or salvation.

The Villa is also called the "Villa Barbarigo Pizzone Ardemani". This villa should not be confused with the imposing and frescoed building of Villa Barbarigo, Vicenza.

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* [http://www.valsanzibiogiardino.it/ Homepage]