Villa Pigafetta - Arnaldi - Camerini

On the hill of Montruglio, in the locality of Mossano, stands one of the most beautiful 18th-century residences.
Commissioned by the Vicentine family of Arnaldi, who had come into possession of the property's land in the mid-16th century through a connection with the Pigafetta family, the villa was built between the 17th and 18th centuries by architect and landscape designer Francesco Antonio Muttoni.
To reach the villa, you pass through the entrance gate, ascending along a path in the woods, to arrive at a large wrought iron gate.
The building comprises the immense central villa, where on the right are the portico and the barchesse, while on the left is the family chapel dedicated to the "Conception of the Virgin Mary".
The long 40-meter façade is divided into three sections: the central one with the entrance and balcony, and the two lateral sections with the domestic rooms.
The dimensions of the building are amplified by the staircase and the enclosed terrace that surrounds a large and solemn garden.
Noteworthy are the interiors with sumptuous decorative paintings and the flooring: a Venetian terrazzo in green, one of the rarest remaining in Veneto.
Another significant feature is the imposing barchessa from the 1700s with clear Palladian and Scamozzi influences, entirely made of the warm stone from Nanto.
Importantly, there is the armory room, once a stable, where a collection of ancient weapons is preserved, and the Hall of Olympus.
Towards the end of the 90s, the villa underwent an important restoration and now part of the central body is designated for residence, while other spaces host events and exhibitions in addition to the offices of the agricultural company.
The villa has a large park and private woods, immersed in the nature of the Colli Berici.

The Oratory of the Immaculate Conception of Montruglio
Built in 1697 at the behest of the noble Costanzo Arnaldi.
Originally well-furnished with three significant marble statues depicting the Blessed Virgin and two angels, but they were later transported to the oratory of St. Teresa in Noventa Vicentina following the transfer of ownership to the noble Salvi family.
In the early 1900s, the oratory lost importance and was declared suspended in 1915, as it lacked the necessary resources.
The altar was donated in 1956 by Duke Camerini to the parish church of St. Peter in Mossano, where it is still present today.