Villa Porto (Vivaro di Dueville)

Villa Porto is a Venetian villa located in Vivaro di Dueville, in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. It is one of the many villas designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.

The villa was commissioned by the Porto family, specifically for two brothers, Benedetto and Francesco Porto. Construction began in the 1540s, although the precise date is debated among scholars. While Palladio designed the villa, it remained incomplete at the time of his death in 1580. Subsequent generations of the Porto family continued the construction and modifications, resulting in a structure that deviates somewhat from Palladio's original design intentions.

The villa is characterized by its imposing facade, featuring a pronaos with Ionic columns supporting a pediment. The interior showcases typical Palladian features, though altered over time. The surrounding estate originally included extensive agricultural lands, reflecting the function of the villa as a center for agricultural management.

Villa Porto (Vivaro di Dueville), along with other Palladian villas of the Veneto, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its architectural significance and its contribution to the development of Renaissance architecture. It stands as a testament to Palladio's genius and the enduring influence of Venetian villa culture. Access to the villa is typically restricted, often requiring prior arrangement for visits.