Villa Foscari

"Villa Foscari, a classically styled mansion, is perhaps the most famous of the legendary villas designed by the architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. On the outside, perfectly symmetrical porticoes overlook manicured lawns and a romantic stretch of river. Inside, the piano nobile (the main floor) is painted floor-to-ceiling with frescoes that tell the stories of Roman gods. Even though it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's actually still a private home (lived in by a family that forgoes all but essential electricity and lights the place with sunshine, candlelight, and fireplaces), so visiting hours are limited." - Andrea Whittle

"What’s this place all about? Villa Foscari, a classically styled mansion, is perhaps the most famous of the legendary villas designed by the architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. On the outside, perfectly symmetrical porticoes overlook manicured lawns and a romantic stretch of river. Inside, the piano nobile (the main floor) is painted floor-to-ceiling with frescoes that tell the stories of Roman gods. Even though it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's actually still a private home, so visiting hours are limited. It's open from April to November, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9am to noon. Visits, which cost ten euros should be booked online at least 10 days in advance. What’s it like being there? Serious architecture nerds will have plenty of details to obsess over. But you don't need a degree to appreciate the sheer beauty of the space. Is there a guide involved? A web-based audio guide, accessed through the website, offers some context about the architecture and the family that originally lived in the villa in step-by-step, two-to-four-minute briefs. Those who really want an in-depth look can book private guides in advance through the site as well. If you just want to wander around and spend some time ogling, that's fine too. Who comes here? Architecture students from far and wide and curious aesthetes in it for the 'gram. Did it meet expectations? Part of the fun of a home tour is engaging in a bit of voyeurism. The fact that this villa is still inhabited—by a family that actually forgoes all but essential electricity, relying on sunshine, candlelight, and fireplaces to illuminate the interior—adds to the experience. It's over-the-top gorgeous, but it still has the personal touches of a place where you could actually live. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Because of the distance from Venice (and other major cities) and the need to schedule your visit far in advance, this villa doesn't draw casual observers. If you love the fantasy aspect of visiting a historic home, this is a must." - Andrea Whittle