A unique aristocratic palace, Palazzo Grimani was the family house of Antonio Grimani. The charming, historic structure still stands out with its original architecture and gorgeous decorations and is now home to several splendid artworks. The permanent collection here comprises of masterpieces by Mannerists such as Francesco Salviati, Francesco Menzocchi, Camillo Mantovano and Federico Zuccari to name a few. Even without the unusual art that adorn its walls, each room inside this palace is comprises of opulent stuccowork and beautiful frescoes that any art enthusiast wouldn't want to miss. Unique in its architecture and the treasure trove it houses, Palazzo Grimani makes for a brilliant visit.
The foundation of Fondazione Querini Stampalia was laid in the year 1869. It was made to order by Venetian Querini Stampalia family's last successor Conte Giovanni. The exteriors and interiors were made by the well known architect Carlo Scarpa. It holds paintings of famous artists and also exhibits contemporary art. For schedule and information on group tour visit website.
Prato della Valle is a square located in the city of Padova, Italy. Spread over a vast area of 90,000 meters (2,95,276 foot), the oval shaped square is the largest in the country. The square came into existence in the year 1635, when a temporary theater was built here. Thereafter, in the year 1775, the entire area was re-constructed to give the square it's current appearance. The square is beautifully designed with an island of grass in the center, surrounded by a ring of water. A total of 78 statues are placed at each side of the water ring. Today, the square forms an ideal meeting place with large number of people visiting the square to take a walk, skate or study. Festivals too are celebrated at the square.
Designed by Girolamo Frigimelica, this classic medieval labyrinth was one of the first elements of the elaborate Villa Pisani to be completed in 1720. Constructed at the behest of the Venetian Doge Alvise Pisani, the maze is rumored to be particularly confounding, formed of nine concentric circles with numerous dead-ends and hedges too high to peer over. At the center lies a tower, topped by a statue of Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom and Art. In 1807, the property was seized by Napoleon and granted to Eugene Beauharnais. Local lore suggests that while visiting his stepson at the villa, Napoleon was left befuddled and utterly lost by the intricacies of the maze. Hitler and Mussolini also held talks at the villa in 1934. As to whether they were able to unravel the mysteries of the labyrinth is a matter of speculation.
Venice is the city of canals only navigable by boats and gondolas, since time immemorial. But the waters that are graced with beautiful gondolas today, witnessed fierce submarines and military ships during the tensed political times. The Italian navy used these canals as a way to put up a strong defense against enemies and Museo Storico Navale di Venezia preserves this naval heritage with pride. Located just a few minutes walk from the Arsenale di Venezia, the whole history of the Venetian Republic and the Italian Navy is explained here through models and exhibits. Canons, prints, period gondolas and nautical instruments, such as compasses are on display. There is also a section dedicated to the history of the Italian Navy with flags, uniforms and military and civil model ships. Some of the pieces date back to the 18th Century but most are from the 19th Century.
Carichi sospesi is a cultural center that organizes classes of theater for children and adults, theatrical production, workshops for actors and directors. It also gives space to ballet and contemporary dance. The association has been created already in 1998 but it can counts with its own place only in 2003. Each year is the center of a Theater street festival called "La luna nel pozzo " and another called Giardini sospesi, more oriented to discliplines like music and art.