THE STORY

Since 1405, when the Signory of the Carraresi in Padua fell, the noble and wealthy Venetian families began to expand their economic, political and social interests into the Paduan territories, acquiring the properties confiscated from the Carraresi.

Padua and its surroundings prospered in the following centuries, thanks in part to the major land reclamation works carried out by the Venetian patrician families, who had amassed their enormous fortunes from commercial activities.

The Mocenigo family, among the most renowned in Venice since the 11th century (they count seven doges and other political, diplomatic, military, literary and ecclesiastical figures), owned land in five Venetian provinces and in Friuli, including, since the 15th century, the property in Abano ('401 fields') in the area called 'Guazzi', a vast marshy territory full of valleys where rainwater from the Euganean Hills flowed into the canals after it overflowed the ditches.

The area was situated between the Roman road and the Battaglia canal, and became fit for cultivation
thanks to the Mocenigo land reclamation.

The Mocenigos were nicknamed 'the ones with the pepper' because they held a monopoly on this spice, whose value was comparable to gold. Their wealth, influence and power lasted well into the 18th century.

In the early 18th century, once the land reclamation was completed, the Villa, which was initially a small
dwelling, underwent a major renovation.

The Villa was located in the centre of the vast estate, in a strategic position, near the port of the Battaglia
canal, navigable and crossed by large barges, suitable for transporting foodstuffs.

Together with the noble residence, the two 'barchessas' on each side and the oratory were built.

It was one of the most luxurious and important villas in Abano Terme, hosting various renowned figures
including Carlo Goldoni, Giacomo Leopardi and Giacomo Casanova, who took advantage of the proximity of the spa to cure his frequent headaches. In 1752, Carlo Goldoni wrote the comedy 'I Bagni d'Abano' (The Baths of Abano) and the noblewoman Pisana Mocenigo hosted Giacomo Casanova there in 1779, who marvelled at the palace's walls, which he described as 'very solid by virtue of their majestic thickness'.

The large monumental complex has been known since the times of the Most Serene Republic of Venice and its grounds still cover an area of no less than 70 hectares.