Villa Giusti Summan

Villa Giusti-Suman, owned by the Municipality of Zugliano, is the most notable historical building in the town for its architectural and artistic value, linked to the presence of a richly crafted façade and, above all, an enchanting cycle of frescoes that adorns the entire noble floor.

Located on the slopes of the hills of Zugliano, on the hillock of the "Castle," the entire complex dominates the underlying plains, still displaying its imposing dimensions today. Following the Palladian-inspired villas that punctuate the Vicenza territory, this noble residence is heir to a centuries-old history linked to the names of numerous owning families: from the famous Zoiano family (15th-17th century) to the noble Giusti Del Giardino-Suman family at the beginning of the last century.

The exterior appearance of the villa, due to its tall and narrow configuration, suggests that the current building is the result of numerous modifications and expansions of the pre-existing structure, whose construction likely dates back to around the 15th century at the behest of the noble Zoiano family, culminating in a definitive intervention during the 17th century. The entire complex consists of two distinct buildings, namely the main house and the rustic part. It was once complemented by a second barchessa opposite the first (demolished in the 1960s due to its dilapidated condition) and the courtyard was completely enclosed by walls.

Of enormous value is the noble floor entirely frescoed. The five rooms are divided into different themes: the Hall of Genesis, the Hall of Music (or of the Liberated Jerusalem), the Hall of Fountains, the Hall of Olympic Deities (or of the Four Seasons), and finally, the Hall of Knights. Recently, a small room was rediscovered that was originally intended to be a small private chapel: a fragment of a fresco depicting a Pietà by the Zugliano painter Pietro Tiso was discovered here.

Subject to various interventions and restorations, the villa today also serves as an elegant location for organizing and promoting conferences, exhibitions, or cultural events.

Opening times

The entire complex is open for visits, by reservation, by contacting the cultural office of the Municipality of Zugliano.

phone:   0445-330140