Villorba: Villas, Art and Cuisine

In Villorba, architectural history, contemporary art, library offerings and cuisine come together as distinct themes to consider when planning a trip. The historic villas do not all tell the same story: their later changes and present-day use matter, as well as when they were built. There are also cultural offerings for children and adults, along with an opportunity to sample local specialities. This makes it easy to decide how Villorba fits your travel interests, whether you are more drawn to architecture, art, public events or food and drink.

Villas: history and present-day use

Villa Filanda Antonini is a 19th-century mansion and is now home to the Arper Feltrin Foundation and its artists’ residency programme. The combination of historic architecture and present-day institutional use sets it apart from a building whose significance lies solely in when it was built. For travellers looking to include contemporary art in the cultural focus of their stay, the residency programme is a defining feature.

Villa Fanna dates back to the 18th century. Its rear section has been preserved in its original form; later extensions were added and the façade was redesigned. Unlike Villa Filanda Antonini, whose present-day role as the home of a foundation and artists’ residency programme stands out, Villa Fanna is best understood through its architectural development. For architecture enthusiasts, the two villas offer distinct points of interest: the present-day cultural use of a mansion and the changes a building undergoes over time.

Art and a former silk mill

The former silk mill in Lancenigo was founded by the Antonini family in 1870. Today, it is a space for artistic and transdisciplinary experimentation. This adds another historical and cultural perspective to Villorba’s villas: the silk mill connects its former industrial use with a present-day space for artistic work. For culture-minded travellers, it offers a focus beyond villa architecture.

A park and library at Villa Giovannina

The Villa Giovannina complex is set in a park of more than 14,000 m², with centuries-old trees. The complex has also been used for performances and summer events. The size of the grounds and the mature trees lend the place a distinctive landscape character, while its use for performances and summer events adds a cultural events dimension.

Since December 2018, the Biblioteca Comunale di Villorba has occupied the entire first floor of the Barchessa di Villa Giovannina. It organises activities to promote reading for children and adults, public meetings and conferences. The library’s role in Villorba therefore extends beyond encouraging reading to include public events and offerings for different age groups. If you want to explore the area’s culture through more than historic architecture and art, you can also factor these local events into your travel plans.

A culinary addition

At Podere del Convento, you can sample specialities prepared by chefs. The tasting offers a specific culinary experience alongside Villorba’s architectural and cultural attractions. If cuisine is also a factor in choosing your destination, it offers a distinct point of interest: the focus is on prepared specialities to taste.

Discover more destinations: San Vito, Biancade, Crocetta Del Montello, Asolo, Collalto, Castelcucco, Quinto Di Treviso, Motta di Livenza.

For the broader travel guide: Treviso.