Villa il Galero

Villa Il Galero, an authentic Venetian Villa, is located a short walk from the centre of Asolo, in a panoramic position beneath the Rocca fortress of this famous medieval town. From here, it is possible to enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding plain, where on a clear day you can see the Euganean Hills, with Venice in the distance.

The Villa was commissioned in 1696 by Cardinal Rubini, nephew of Pope Alexander VIII and has always been well-preserved. The current owners, the De Lord Rinaldi family, have decided to open its doors to a sensitive and discerning audience that can truly appreciate its beauty.

Villa “Il Galero” consists of four parts: the central villa, flanked by two wings, the characteristic Venetian ‘barchesse’ barns, which were formerly the ancient stables, stalls, granaries which have been converted into dwellings and the chapel, which was the oldest example of its kind in Asolo, and is dedicated to the Madonna. Part of the barn has been transformed into an annex with a kitchen and a private bathroom.

The complex is embellished with exquisite craftsmanship, evidence of which can be observed right from the entrance, where the star-studded family coat of arms under the Cardinal’s broad-rimmed ‘galero’ hat, which gave the Villa its name, provides an early example of high-quality artisanal work.

Inside the building, finely crafted 18th-century stucco decorations adorn the walls and ceilings in the sophisticated late Baroque style.

The property is immersed in and surrounded by the lush greenery of a park-garden with secular trees and plants, such as cypresses, olive trees, fruit trees, pittosporums, olea fragrans, wisteria vines, jasmine and a beautiful and very old climbing rose garden that emits an intoxicating fragrance throughout the month of May.

On the terrace and in the outside garden, there are two relaxation areas equipped with parasols and armchairs where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity all around. On the east side of the front of the house, there is a spacious panoramic terrace adjacent to the chapel, covered by a pergola of centuries-old wisteria, where it is possible to enjoy a meal while enjoying an exclusive view of the Asolo hills.

A pathway encircled by fruit trees and olive groves leads to the scenic swimming pool (18 x 6 m), which has sunbeds, deckchairs, parasols and an adjoining changing room with a shower and toilet. There is also a pergola with a large dining table for 12 people that also includes a kitchenette, a barbecue and a refrigerator.

The history of Villa il Galero
Villa Il Galero is a historical residence dating back to the 17th century. The property is located a short walk from the town centre of Asolo in a historically important area, just below the Rocca or fortress.

The land was purchased in 1646 by the noble Venetian Rubini family. Cardinal Rubini’s father had even attempted to purchase the Rocca to turn it into a stone quarry, but was prevented from doing so because of a civil uprising. In 1691, the Villa was erected by Cardinal Gian Battista Rubini, Bishop of Vicenza and nephew of Pope Alexander VIII (previously known as Pietro Ottoboni). Thanks to the Cardinal, the villa became known as “Il Galero”, which is the name for the well-known headpiece that Cardinals wore consisting of a very stiff hat with a ribbed tassel, which has been reproduced in various decorative elements throughout the villa. The most illustrious figures of the time enjoyed hospitality at the villa.

In 1700, the Rubini family left Asolo and the villa subsequently passed on to the Braga, Bragadin and Moretti families. In 1870, the property was sold to Carlo Naya, who then sold it in the 20th century to the Fioccone family and finally to the De Lord Rinaldi family, the current owners.

The architecture of a venetian villa
In the 1717 land registry map of Asolo, the complex is shown to consist of four independent buildings: the villa in the centre, two porticoed barns on the sides and the oratory to the east, in front of which a semi-circular space opens up. Following subsequent transformations, the complex has gained additional buildings and its morphology has significantly evolved, adapting the previously constructed parts perfectly to the natural surroundings.

Today, the architectural ensemble includes the isolated Villa, with a low one-storey building attached to the west side (the greenhouse) and an overlying terrace. Behind this, on an upper level, there are three buildings, the central one of which features a portico, which used to serve as the old stables and stalls. Further to the east, there is a three-storey building divided into three parts with a simple arched doorway on the ground floor. In the open space between the Villa and the eastern annexes, a pergola terrace with stone columns has been created. The oratory, meanwhile, located on the lowest level, faces Via S. Martino and is the oldest known shrine dedicated to the Madonna in Asolo. It was transformed by the Rubini family into an elegant oratory, enriched with works of art. Signora Ida, the wife of Carlo Naya, who passed away in 1882, restored and embellished the oratory, in collaboration with sculptor Antonio Dal Zotto.

Facilities and services: staying at a venetian villa
Villa Il Galero is available for rentals of three nights or more for groups of up to 14 people, accommodated in double and twin bedrooms with their own private bathrooms, and in the adjacent Beretta apartment. It is also possible to rent just the Beretta apartment for a minimum of three nights or the rooms for a minimum of two nights.

Guests will thus enjoy the privilege of staying at a Venetian Villa, with access to all the interior and exterior spaces of the Villa, including the large garden park and the panoramic pool at the foot of the Rocca fortress.

Getting married in a venetian villa
Villa Il Galero is also available for private events such as lunches, gala dinners, cocktails and weddings.

Places of interest in the vicinity
Villa Il Galero is situated in an unparalleled artistic setting, just a few minutes from Villa Barbaro in Maser and other Palladian villas. In addition, the most beautiful cities of Northern Italy including Venice, Padua, Verona and the ski resorts of Cortina and the Dolomites can be quickly and easily reached from here. There are also two golf courses, tennis courts and an equestrian centre very nearby.