History and Landscape

Villa Godi Malinverni was built between 1538 and 1542 at the behest of Count Gerolamo Godi, one of the wealthiest and most influential aristocrats of Vicenza's 16th-century nobility. The Godi family was among the most powerful in Renaissance Vicenza, thanks to their exceptional commercial abilities, which made them leaders in the European silk trade. Their estates extended throughout the Vicenza countryside, including the territories of what is now Lugo di Vicenza, where they owned an initial residence as early as the late 15th century on the site where the villa now stands.

Architecture and Frescoes

The Villa Godi Malinverni site is characterized by sobriety and rigor, with some elements harking back to 15th-century Venetian architecture, from which Palladio would progressively distance himself.

The use of architectural ornaments is minimized, making the decorative apparatus of the interiors stand out even more. The arrangement of the rooms follows a harmonious design.

The Paleontological Museum

Inside the villa, where carriages once sought refuge, today stands a paleontological museum of exceptional national and international importance: the "Pierluigi Malinverni" Museum. The museum preserves numerous fish species from both brackish and freshwater environments, as well as 352 tree species, including algae, ferns, and, notably, palms, which once populated the coast of the ancient bay.

The Museum "La Villa del Principe"

Since 2019, the ancient cellars of the villa have housed a second museum, dedicated to two significant English figures of the Great War, whose fates, for various reasons, became inextricably linked to the history of these territories: the Prince of Wales, , the future King Edward VIII of England and Vera Brittain, English writer, pacifist, and feminist.

Within the museum, there are relics from the Great War, period publications, infographics, illustrative panels, and videos telling the story of the British army's presence in the Vicenza area.

"Senso" by Luchino Visconti

Villa Godi Malinverni and its Palladian Gardens were also part of the set of one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian neorealism: the film Senso by Luchino Visconti.

Filmed in 1953 and released in 1954, the movie is a cult classic of Italian cinema, renowned for its use of color, its cinematography inspired by 19th-century Italian masterpieces, and the masterful performances of two stars of the time, Alida Valli and Farley Granger.

"The Witch" by Pietro Annigoni

Inside the villa, in the current conference room located in the former gallery, there is an important painting on display: The Witch by Pietro Annigoni.

The painting, dated 1960, is a tempera on canvas depicting the English baroness Patricia Rawlings, now a British parliamentarian.

Oral Archive

Did you know that you can listen to the stories of Villa Godi Malinverni and its park directly from those who have lived them? Dive into the history of this site and listen to the Oral Archive!

In 2024, thanks to PNRR funding as part of the project "The Gardens of Palladio," the association exvuoto teatro, in collaboration with Pro Lugo aps, created the Oral Archive of the villa and the historic park. They interviewed 21 people of different ages who live or have lived between Lugo di Vicenza and Fara Vicentino.

The Malinverni Family

Today, the villa and park are owned by the Malinverni family, who ensure the preservation and protection of this priceless heritage, making it accessible to the local and international public and opening it for cultural, educational, ceremonial, and event initiatives.

In 1962, Professor Remo Malinverni, a Milanese entrepreneur and patron, purchased the villa from the Valmarana family and invested significant capital in restoring the villa and organizing the park and gardens. The professor dedicated the final years of his life to returning the villa to its former splendor. Thanks to the efforts of the Malinverni family, the site was opened to the public and became a pioneer in the tourism sector of the Veneto region.

Upon Remo's passing, who now rests within the park, the property passed first to his son Pierluigi, to whom the Paleontological Museum is dedicated, and then to his grandson Christian Malinverni, who currently manages and maintains it.

Contact us

Villa Godi Malinverni
Via A. Palladio, 44
36030 Lugo di Vicenza (VI) - Italia
Mail Villa, Park and Museum: info@villagodi.com
Mail Restaurant and Events: info@iltorchioantico.com
Palladium SAS - VAT: 12924220150

Villa Godi Malinverni - Progetto POC Regione Veneto - Ville Castelli e Dimore Storice