In the heart of the Venetian countryside stands an architectural masterpiece designed by Giuseppe Gualdo: Villa Gualdo, Valmarana, Vendramin Calergi now Palazzo Comunale, an imposing residence, with a central body on four floors flanked by two symmetrical wings. The elegance and majesty of the building are enhanced by three scenic staircases and side entrances. Among the treasures it houses is the splendid sixteenth-century lavabo in the atrium, attributed to the workshop of Palladian masters Giovanni Di Giacomo da Porlezza and Girolamo Pittoni da Lumignano. In the noble hall, now the council chamber, five doors with a horizontal entablature frame stucco busts of Roman emperors, probably from the Neoclassical era. The villa also hosts works by U. Coromaldi and Luigi Tarra, gifts from Marquis Giuseppe Roi, and features a permanent exhibition dedicated to Antonio Fogazzaro. The architectural context is enriched by the Little Church of the Heroes (1832), with a painting by G. Busato, and the former convent of San Marco, now belonging to the diocese of Padua, where Fogazzaro wrote the story Pereat Rocus.
<p><b><i></i>Opening hours: </b>The Villa is the municipal seat of the Municipality of Montegalda, therefore it is open every morning from Monday to Friday and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Guided tours must be booked, as the guide is not present on-site.</p><p><b><i></i>Visits: </b>By reservation. A specialized guide is available for both the visit to the City Hall – Villa Gualdo – and the permanent exhibition of Antonio Fogazzaro, which is equipped with tablets in English – French – German – Spanish. The exhibition can be guided through a braille itinerary. The request for the guide must be made in advance.</p><p><b><i></i>Entrance ticket: </b>Free visits.</p><p><b><i></i>Services: </b>Disabled accessibility, Elevator, Car parking, Guided tours, Photo opportunities, Bus parking, Events, Conferences</p><br>