Between art and memory: an Itinerary through the venetian foothills between Palladio and the Great War
A journey through beauty and history
The Venetian Foothills (Pedemontana Veneta) speak two profound languages: the harmonious elegance of Palladian architecture and the dramatic intensity of World War I sites.
For those seeking an authentic cultural experience that weaves together art, nature, and history, this corner of Veneto is the perfect destination.
An ideal itinerary begins in Thiene, continues to Possagno, and ends in Maser, tracing a perfect weekend route through Venetian villas, museums, and landscapes of remembrance.
Possagno: Canova’s genius at the foot of Monte Grappa
Possagno is a small village dominated by the majestic presence of the Canova Temple, inspired by the Pantheon and designed by Antonio Canova himself. Here, a timeless neoclassical atmosphere prevails.
Nearby, the Gypsotheca houses sketches and plaster models of Canova’s most famous works. Possagno is not just about art, it is also a strategic starting point for hiking the trails of Monte Grappa, a symbolic site of the First World War.
Today, it is part of the “Great War Memories” network, with shelters, trenches, and military cemeteries that invite respectful reflection.
Maser: The Palladian Villa nestled in the hills
A few kilometers from Possagno lies Villa Barbaro, in the town of Maser, an outstanding Palladian masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
The result of collaboration between architect Andrea Palladio and painter Paolo Veronese, the villa is a refined expression of Venetian Renaissance culture and aesthetics, where architectural harmony meets rich pictorial decoration.
This stop is perfect for art and landscape lovers, with the opportunity to taste local wines in the many surrounding wineries.
Thiene and Alto Vicentino: where history shapes the landscape and beauty preserves memory
Strategically located, Thiene is well connected to Possagno, Maser, and the Grappa Massif by a network of scenic roads that cross the splendid Venetian hills.
The journey can begin here, at one of the area’s most fascinating villas: the Castle of Thiene, a rare example of a pre-Palladian villa in Venetian Gothic style.
The Castle is also an ideal starting point for exploring these places rich in art, architecture, and historical memory. With its frescoed interiors and monumental stables, it tells the story of a rooted and industrious Venetian nobility, closely tied to the land and its stewardship.
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But the charm of the Castle doesn't end with the tour: you can also enjoy an authentic experience by staying overnight in its elegant rooms.
Sleeping in the castle means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere, where every architectural and decorative detail holds a trace of history, without sacrificing modern comfort.
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Two souls, one land
The Venetian Foothills are perfect for curious travelers who want to combine the aesthetic experience of Venetian art with a reflection on 20th-century history.
Villas and trenches don’t merge, but rather complement each other, offering a deep and multifaceted insight into a land that surprises at every step.