The imposing complex of Villa Selvatico is located on the brow of Mount St. Elena (in the region of Padua, approx. 30 km from Venice) offering broad panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and Euganei Hills down to the Adriatic sea.
Begun in 1593 and completed in 1650, the construction of the villa broke free from the preceding strictly classical tradition to incorporate daring new combinations of classical-medieval and even oriental elements.
A spectacular and striking exterior staircase of 140 steps rises from a dreamlike 19th century park to the splendid main floor entrance frescoed by Luca Ferrari from Reggio (1650). The ceiling of the large hall magnificently decorated and frescoed shows the „Glory of Selvatico House“ by Alessandro Varotari named „Padovanino“ (approx. 1650).
The famous garden architect Giuseppe Japelli (19th century) designed the park with age-old exotic trees and surrounded by five thermal ponds of hot water known centuries ago by the Romans for its curative properties.
On completion of the project, 20 exclusive residences enriched with Murano chandeliers and antique furniture will be available. Another 15 charming rooms in the „Barchesse“, formerly service buildings, are being completed. In the greenhouses by Jappeli, a restaurant could be created based on gastronomic and regional cuisine.
The building complex includes also a small 10th century church still consecrated. In the park there is a direct access to the sea with docking on the channel of Battaglia which runs to both Padua and Chioggia (little Venice).
For those guests interested in historic castles, the Villa is an ideal location from which reach and visit the famed „Route of Castles“, running through the surrounding countryside.
During World War 1 the villa hosted the King of Belgium Albert 1 and was also theatre of the first encounter between Umberto II of Italy and his wife Marie-José daughter of Albert 1.
Villa Selvatico is a Villa Veneta, located near Venice and Padova. 
