Villa La Mattarana

Villa La Mattarana, located in the eastern outskirts of Verona, is a magnificent example of a Venetian villa, blending Renaissance and Baroque architecture with a rich historical and artistic heritage. The villa, located in the Ferrazze area, has a history dating back to the 13th century, when it was part of an agricultural estate donated to the Benedictine monastery of San Michele di Campagna. The name “La Mattarana” derives from the abbess “Mater Anna” of the monastery of San Michele, to which the estate originally belonged. Over the centuries, the property passed through various noble hands. Architecturally, Villa La Mattarana is a closed courtyard with a main imposing structure, flanked by two barns and three dovecotes towers, which testify to the evolution of the complex from its medieval foundation to subsequent Renaissance expansions. The central body of the villa is characterized by a ground floor portico with three arches and decorated with frescoes dating back to the period between 1550 and 1560. One of the most fascinating rooms of the villa is the Hall of the Emperors, which features a frescoed pavilion ceiling with grotesques and allegorical images. Other frescoes of notable artistic value are attributed to the school of Paolo Caliari, known as Veronese, and adorn both the main rooms of the villa and the family chapel. The villa is surrounded by an Italian garden, which adds an additional level of beauty and tranquility to the complex. From a historical and social perspective, Villa La Mattarana has played a significant role as a noble residence and agricultural center. The families that owned it have left an indelible mark on its structure and decorations, reflecting their status and wealth. In recent decades, Villa La Mattarana has opened its doors to the public for guided tours and cultural events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its history and admire the artworks it houses.