The imposing complex of Villa Selvatico is located on the brow of Mount St. Elena (in the region of Padua, approx. 30 km from Venice) offering broad panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and Euganei Hills down to the Adriatic sea.
Begun in 1593 and completed in 1650, the construction of the villa broke free from the preceding strictly classical tradition to incorporate daring new combinations of classical-medieval and even oriental elements.
A spectacular and striking exterior staircase of 140 steps rises from a dreamlike 19th century park to the splendid main floor entrance frescoed by Luca Ferrari from Reggio (1650). The ceiling of the large hall magnificently decorated and frescoed shows the Glory of Selvatico House by Alessandro Varotari named Padovanino (approx. 1650).
The famous garden architect Giuseppe Japelli (19th century) designed the park with age-old exotic trees and surrounded by five thermal ponds of hot water known centuries ago by the Romans for its curative properties.
The building complex includes also a small 10th century church still consecrated. In the park there is a direct access to the sea with docking on the channel of Battaglia which runs to both Padua and Chioggia (little Venice).
For those interested in historic castles, the Villa is an ideal location from which reach and visit the famed Route of Castles, running through the surrounding countryside.
During World War 1 the villa hosted the King of Belgium Albert 1 and was also theatre of the first encounter between Umberto II of Italy and his wife Marie-Jose daughter of Albert 1.
Details of the Estate
Parkland 11 ha
5 thermal lakes of 8,000 m2 with possibility to construct natural swimming pools
Baroque villa with a floor area of 3,000 m2, divided into 20 suites with large salons with frescoed walls
Panoramic terrace around the villa of 1,700 m2
External elevator for 12 people, which was built inside the hill that takes you from the main entrance to the villa
Internal elevator serving four floors which holds 4 people
At the bottom of the steps leading to the villa there is the building called the Barchessa (foremer serbvants quarters) partially renovated, divided into a further 15 suites
Large hothouse of 250 m2 which has been completely renovated with a glass domed roof
10th century church of 200 m2 which has been completely renovated
Below the grand stairway there is an area dating from the 7th century which gives access onto the park
Villa in the grounds of 200 m2 in need of renovation giving the possibility of creating three additional suites
Private bridge exclusive to the villa which gives access to the Brenta river and allows navigation by boat to Venice
Additional permissions obtained for further construction
Two rooms for a total of 600 m2 at the foot of the grand stairway
The Santa Elena Thermal Spa
Villa of 1,750 m2. The spa dates from 1923 and is an excellent example of the architecture of the period, built in stone and based on Roman baths. The spa uses the thermal springs of the estate and is already divided into a sauna rooms and treatment rooms. The spa uses the stone grottos as sauna rooms to excellent effect and it is the only one of its kind. The algae of the estate's lakes was used for the treatment of arthritis. The estate has the leasehold from the local council for 50 years, however there is also the option to buy the spa outright.
The Battaglia Canal
Completed in 1201, commences in Padova, in the ancient harbour called Bassanello, and runs straight to Battaglia Terme, carrying further on to Monselice. The Battaglia Riviera was the route preferred by the Venetian nobles and patricians to get to their Villas, built along the canal, and to their residences on Euganean Hills, like the Villa Barbarigo, its old boat moorings are still visible today.
The starting point is at the River Navigation Museum in Battaglia Terme. The landscape is undoubtedly wonderful: green vegetation and thick reed thickets. The Catajo Castel, a late-renaissance (1572) sumptuous residence, magnificently frescoed by Giambattista Zelotti.
Here is Battaglia Terme, the old coastal village built on the convergence of numerous watercourses linked among them by Locks. Then the journey continues through the lock, a monumental hydraulic artefact which enables the descending of a 7-metre high water slope and the docking at the Fluvial Navigation River, guarding the historical testimonies of a lost fluvial civilization.. The journey continues and on the right, on the top of St. Elena hill, the 17th century Villa Selvatico stands out.
Villa Selvatico
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