The location of Villa Emo is one of the structures that I have most appreciated during my experience as a wedding photographer in Padova. I have collected all the most important information, to allow you to get to know the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy the reading!

Villa Emo: the history

The ancient Villa Emo stands near Selvazzano Dentro, on the Montecchia hill in the province of Padua. Built in the 16th century, the structure was actually erected on an earlier building dating back to the 11th century. This area, in fact, was part of the Monticula fief, in which Ezzelino da Romano destroyed a keep in the 13th century. Rebuilt by the Scrovegni family a few years later, it was finally purchased in 1472 by Annibale Capodilista, a member of a powerful Paduan family. 

The Capodilista family thus began to transform the property into an agricultural estate, destined for the production of fine wines. Part of the ancient defensive walls and turrets were demolished to make room for vine fields and the construction of the future Villa Emo. Not far from this, a small hunting lodge was built, according to the design of architect Dario Varotari. 

Villa Emo thus remained the property of the Capodilista family for over two centuries. The structure was further enlarged and embellished during this period with frescoes and paintings. The property was transformed from a simple agricultural residence into a luxury destination where the family would spend their holidays.

In 1783, with the marriage of Beatrice Capodilista and Leonardo Emo, the Emo-Capodilista family, who still own the Villa today, was born. During the 19th century, the complex was surrounded by a park in romantic style, attributed to the famous Giuseppe Jappelli. A small chapel was also built, in which members of the Emo-Capodilista family are buried.

Today, Villa Emo is home to several facilities, including a winery, a small museum and a golf club. The complex has also been opened to the public for tours, weddings and private events.

Villa Emo: the perfect setting for a princely wedding

As anticipated, Villa Emo has undergone major renovations over the centuries to embellish the complex. Majestic and elegant, this splendid location is today an extremely refined and luxurious venue. Precisely for this reason, the structure is today the perfect location for princely and dreamy weddings.

What makes the complex so romantic is certainly its privileged location in the Veneto countryside. Embraced by the Euganean Hills and surrounded by vineyards, it will enchant your guests' gaze, offering them breathtaking views. Within its vast centuries-old park and elegant Italian-style gardens, you can then spend moments of pure relaxation. The extra treat? You can request access to the complex's chapel, celebrating your wedding directly on site.

This bucolic green area will be the perfect setting for your sweet outdoor receptions and sparkling aperitifs on hot summer days. Under the dancing foliage you can then organise your evocative photo shoot, creating fairytale-like shots. 

If you prefer, however, to serve your banquet comfortably seated indoors, the Villa's airy loggia will delight you with its elegance. In between courses of the banquet, your guests can also freely access the inner halls and take a closer look at the precious frescoes. 

Finally, for larger and more numerous events, the venue also offers the use of several marquees. Seated inside them, you can watch the sun set over the vineyards and organise a relaxed and informal reception.

Villa Emo is truly an unforgettable location in which to spend unique moments with your loved ones. A fairytale location that we are sure will leave an indelible memory in the hearts of those who stay here. Whatever the number of your guests or the vision of your wedding, your every wish can be fulfilled here.

Villa Emo: the structure of the location

The historic Villa Emo stands on the summit of Montecchia, in the gentle park of the Euganean Hills. It is an elegant square building surrounded by vineyards, built in perfect Renaissance style. Inside there are numerous rooms in which the various activities organised by the structure are hosted. Villa Emo, in fact, is not only open for events, but also houses a museum, a winery and some tourist accommodation. 

The building is surrounded by a vast centuries-old park, embellished with trees and rare plants. In it are the different areas of the complex, such as the Italian garden, characterised by geometric hedges and elegant fountains. Approaching the splendid manor house, you can then access the large loggia, ideal for summer events. You can also take advantage of the complex's spacious marquees for a perfect covered banquet for larger weddings. 

The interiors of Villa Emo are then the real feather in the cap. Each of the salons, many of which are interconnecting, is in fact carefully decorated. There is no lack of frescoes, stuccoes, carpets, heirlooms and period furniture, which embellish the rooms, giving them character and refinement. The rooms, however, can be visited during the reception, but cannot be used to serve the banquet. Some of them, however, have been converted into bedrooms in which to stay overnight.

Villa Emo is a simply marvellous and perfectly preserved mansion, in which you will feel as if you are living a sweet dream. If you are looking for a historic yet versatile location, we are sure it will not disappoint.

Frequently asked questions about Villa Emo

• Where is Villa Emo located? Villa Emo is located near Selvazzano Dentro, on the Montecchia hill in the province of Padua.
• Can I celebrate my wedding inside Villa Emo? Of course you can. You can organise the civil and religious ceremony, the shooting and the reception within the Park, the Salons of the Villa and all the adjoining areas.
• Is there a restaurant inside Villa Emo? No, Villa Emo does not have an in-house catering service. You can therefore freely choose a catering service to which you can entrust yourself or be advised by the staff of the structure.
• What events can be celebrated at Villa Emo? You can organise your most important celebrations at Villa Emo. The structure, in fact, is open for weddings and private parties. You can also organise your meetings and corporate events here.
• Can Villa Emo host business meetings? Certainly. Villa Emo makes its indoor and outdoor spaces available for organising events and conventions. The structure is equipped with the best technology and every comfort. It is also the ideal location for retreats and brainstorms.
• Can I stay overnight at Villa Emo? Yes, Villa Emo is also a popular tourist destination. There are no less than seven rooms inside, with a total of twelve beds. You can also stay in the adjacent Medieval Farm and Mottolo Castle flats.