From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, between the cities of Venice and Padua there was a commercial route that could only be traveled by river: today this route is known as the Riviera del Brenta, as it was the Naviglio del Brenta that was used at the time by boats as a transit route.

The refined patrician villas that dot the Riviera del Brenta

The Riviera del Brenta, which has always been considered the “Garden of Venice”, is an area of ​​high historical and landscape value due to the presence of numerous Venetian villas.The road that today runs along the river represents a succession of architectural beauties: those that were holiday residences for the nobles of the time, today have become, in part, private residences that can be visited by the public.

A characteristic way to discover these seventeenth-century and eighteenth-century beauties is the mini-cruise in Burchiello: the Venetian boat dating back to the 1700s, which, from March to September, leads from Padua to Venice, or from Venice to Padua, between art, history and nature.

The particular name of the boat derives from a Venetian boat used by the wealthiest classes during the summer to reach their villas in the countryside from the city.

But which villas are absolutely worth a visit?

Villa Pisani, known as “La Nazionale”, is the most famous both because important historical meetings were held there, and because it is here that Napoleon stayed for one night.

Villa Foscarini Rossi is instead characterized by the permanent museum of footwear with 1,700 models of luxury women’s shoes. The Riviera del Brenta, in fact, is an important area for the production of high quality footwear.
In this case, the towns of Strà, Fiesso d’Artico and Fossò are known throughout Europe for the very famous international brands that come to life here.
Villa Widmann is now home to important events in the area. The complex is made up of the Dominical House, the Barchessa di Valmarana, the Oratory, the Historic Garden and the Monumental Park: a true concentration of art and wonder!

Also not to be missed is Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta”, famous for its Palladio paintings, Villa Belvedere, with the caves and the small castle inside the park, and Villa Valier, which was a place for official celebrations and sumptuous receptions.

The gastronomy that handed down the memory of the great banquets in the villa

Sailing through the towns of the Riviera – Strà, Fiesso d’Artico, Dolo, Mira, Oriago, Malcontenta – you will be able to experience a day of relaxation and taste the typical fish-based specialties, cornerstones of local catering. The menu of the Riviera del Brenta is the result of a centuries-old Venetian and Chioggia tradition and is extraordinarily rich and varied, with strong seasonal influences in some dishes such as the “moleche” (fried and tender crabs in the shell of the carapace), the “masenete” boiled and “uncovered”), and “bovoleti” (snails with garlic and parsley beaten). Between carpaccio, pink shrimp tartare, fish lasagna, cuttlefish alla veneziana, creamed cod and eel with tomato, the sea is the absolute master of the Brenta table and every dish becomes even more delicious if accompanied by a good Venetian bottle: a Prosecco from Conegliano or, for those who love still wines, a Pinot Grigio, a Riesling, a Sauvignon or a Ribolla Gialla.

Among the typical desserts we remember the Tortona di Dolo, the result of an ancient tradition: with apples, dried figs, raisins, citrus fruits, pine nuts, honey, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon … it is a delicious infinite joy for the palate!

Magic and enchantment on the water among the patrician villas of the Brenta

A weekend in Riviera del Brenta is enough to return home with a heart full of love and wonder. If you can’t wait to surprise your sweetheart with a romantic getaway, a tour of the Venetian Villas is the ideal choice. The water will rock you, literally taking you back in time, to discover fascinating glimpses of art, history and nature.

Let yourself be enchanted by the luxury, elegance and refined aesthetic taste of those villas that were the summer residence of the nobles of the past; let them tell you how they spent their days, between dances in the large ballrooms and moments of pleasant relaxation in the open air.

Riviera del Brenta in close contact with nature

What better way than a bicycle to explore the Brenta area during the summer? Among parks and gardens, a recommended itinerary in the saddle is the one that goes from Malcontenta to Strà. Cycling along the Riviera del Brenta means walking along verdant banks dotted with weeping willows and magnificent villas.

In addition to the latter, the ancient villages and villages are also wonderful. Of all the villages on the Riviera, Dolo is by far the most characteristic: the mills and the squero remain of the old inhabited center, the shipyard where the boats were built. If you love being outdoors, here you can relax with a pleasant walk along the river between gardens and cypresses.