The complex of Villa Lattes, now owned by the Municipality of Istrana, was built at the beginning of the eighteenth century according to the design of the architect Giorgio Massari. In addition to the main building, it includes two characteristic curved barchesse, an oratory, and a historic park adorned with statues by Orazio Marinali and the busts of the Twelve Caesars.
The villa takes its name from the Lattes family, who became its owners in the nineteenth century. It was especially Bruno Lattes, the last representative of the family, who gave it the identity that still accompanies the visit today: a lawyer and music enthusiast, he left his profession to dedicate himself to his collections and the restoration of the residence. In the rooms he gathered works, family objects, and a surprising collection of music boxes, automata, toys, and mechanical clocks, now the heart of the museum.
Visiting Villa Lattes thus means entering both a Venetian villa and the personal world of its last owner. Next to the historical rooms, one encounters objects built to transform complex mechanisms into music and movement, while outside the path continues among the barchesse and the park.
The oratory is also worth a visit, as it preserves works and period furnishings, including paintings by Jacopo Amigoni. The villa also hosts a partnered tourist Info Point.
<p>Special closures January 1, December 25.</p> <p>Last entry 30 minutes before closing.</p>