Exterior view

Around 1556 Palladio was commissioned by Francesco Badoer to build his villa in Fratta Polesine, south-west of Rovigo. Palladio, who was skilled at adapting his designs to client and location, was flexible in his approach to the Villa Badoer, the plan of which incorporates three longitudinal axes. The apparent single-storey configuration identifies the building clearly as a country villa, and the barchesse - incorporating the only curved loggias in Palladio’s built works - not only define the entry court but also set off the elevated central pavilion. The difference in height between these utility wings and the main house is accentuated by the high podium and staircase in several flights leading to the front portico. Its pediment, acting as a symbol of prestige, emphasizes the whole structure, not, as in the Villa Cornaro, the arrangement of rooms behind it.

In the cohesiveness of its design, the Villa Badoer must be considered one of Palladio’s most successful attempts to harmonize room layout, architectural function and residential qualities.

View the plan and elevation of Villa Badoer, Fratta Polesine.