The location of Villa Frassanelle is one of the structures I have most enjoyed during my experience as a wedding photographer in Padova. I have gathered all the most important information so you can learn more about the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy your reading!

Villa Frassanelle: the history

The splendid Villa Frassanelle is located in Rovolon, an idyllic village on the slopes of the Euganean Hills. The residence has an ancient history, dating back as far as the 13th century. Since 1263, in fact, Villa Frassanelle has belonged to the Papafava Antonini dei Carraresi counts. It was brought as a dowry by Adelmonta Maltraversi to her husband Giacomo Papafava da Carrara in that very year. For almost a thousand years the family has handed down the property from father to son up to the present day. 

Over the centuries, the Villa has nevertheless gone through some turbulent times. During the 14th century, the da Carrara family achieved great prestige and political power in Padua. In the fifteenth century, however, with Venice's conquest of the city, the da Carrara family came under heavy attack. In particular, the Venetian victors decided to erase all traces of the prestigious and powerful family. To do this, the Serenissima attempted to confiscate all the da Carrara's properties, including Villa Frassanelle.

It was only thanks to the tenacity of Teddea Ariosti, widow of Count Papafava da Carrara, that the mansion was saved from the Venetians. The noblewoman proved that the villa was not the direct property of the family, but a dowry obtained through the female branch of the Maltraversi family. By appealing to the laws of the time, Teddea was able to avoid confiscation and provide the surviving Carraresi with a refuge. 

In the early 17th century, a farmhouse and several farmhouses were built. Later the complex became a luxurious residence, with a huge central Villa surrounded by a Park. After careful restoration by the Papafava family, Villa Frassanelle is now open for events and visits. In addition, since the 1980s, it has been home to a prestigious golf course. Thanks to the owners' hard work, aimed at the revaluation of the structure, Villa Frassanelle is today a coveted and renowned location.

Villa Frassanelle: the perfect setting for a rustic wedding

The beautiful Villa Frassanelle complex is located in a splendid green oasis on the slopes of the Euganean Hills. It is an extremely evocative location from which to admire the romantic landscape of the Veneto countryside. For this reason, celebrating your wedding in Villa Frassanelle means organising a bucolic and fairy-tale wedding.

As soon as you pass through the property's gates, you and your guests will be transported to a magical place. As you walk along the park's paths, built to 19th century standards, you will have a romantic and dreamy experience. In fact, it is a perfect setting for film shoots and evocative locations. Likewise, you can organise your civil ceremony and reception right under the foliage of the centuries-old trees. Here, taking advantage of the gentle summer evenings, you can enjoy the magical and relaxed atmosphere typical of the countryside.

If you prefer to celebrate your most important day indoors, the Villa also has indoor venues. These rooms have the typical appearance of old Venetian villas, with wooden ceilings and terracotta floors. They are perfect for more informal and rustic banquets, but no less elegant. Whatever your style, Villa Frassanelle will provide the perfect setting for your wedding. 

Villa Frassanelle: the structure of the location

Villa Frassanelle, as we have seen, stands in the picturesque setting of the Euganean Hills. Surrounded by the fields of the Venetian countryside, the complex consists of several buildings and flats. These are scattered within the structure's vast park, which covers over 120 hectares of land. It is a green oasis designed in 1860 by Alberto Papafava himself, a painter of Romanticism and a descendant of the family. 

The park area surrounding Villa Frassanelle includes nature trails and various attractions, such as the bamboo grove, the neoclassical temple and the caves. It also includes the prestigious golf course, which occupies 60 hectares. Following the paths that wind through the centuries-old trees, it is possible to reach the various buildings that make up the complex. Two different locations are available for the organisation of events and weddings: the Fattoria and Villa Bencontenta.

The Fattoria is a combination of open and covered spaces that can accommodate more than 250 people. It is a perfectly preserved 17th-century farmhouse that has recently been renovated. The building is flanked by other picturesque constructions, such as the carpenter's house, the stables, the bigattiera and the granary. At the Fattoria it is also possible to celebrate your civil marriage ceremony and stay overnight after the celebrations. In addition to the outdoor spaces, such as the Aia and the Barchessa, the Sala Tinaia and the former Cantina are also available.

Villa Bencontenta, on the other hand, is a large farmhouse with a swimming pool. It features the typical elements of a farmhouse, such as terracotta floors and exposed wooden beams. It is possible to celebrate more intimate events in this space, with a maximum of 70 guests, but not the civil ceremony. Thanks to the variety of environments and the great historical tradition, Villa Frassanelle will certainly amaze you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions about Villa Frassanelle

• Where is Villa Frassanelle located? Villa Frassanelle is located in Rovolon, an idyllic village on the slopes of the Euganean Hills, near Padua.
• Can I celebrate my wedding at Villa Frassanelle? Of course you can. You can organise the official civil ceremony, the shooting and the reception inside the park, the halls of Villa Bencontenta and the adjoining areas, such as the Farm.
• Is there a restaurant inside Villa Frassanelle? Villa Frassanelle does not have its own restaurant. There is, however, a kitchen area at your disposal. We can also send you a list of our trusted caterers.
• What events can be celebrated at Villa Frassanelle? At Villa Frassanelle you can organise your most important events. The structure, in fact, is open to weddings and private parties. You can also organise your meetings and corporate events.
• Can Villa Frassanelle host business meetings? Certainly it can. Villa Frassanelle makes its indoor and outdoor areas available for the organisation of events and conventions. In fact, it has several rooms of various sizes for the organisation of meetings and training courses.
• Can I stay overnight at Villa Frassanelle? Yes, inside the Villa there are four mini-apartments for two people and one flat for five people.