Discover Mira: Villas, Gardens and Local History

Mira brings together historic villas, gardens, local history and routes to create a destination that can be explored in different ways. A circular route through the centre of Mira leads to villas and gardens that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by boat. In addition, the Canale Serraglio and the Canale Taglio in Mira are designated routes for walks. The circular route therefore combines several forms of transport with specific stops in the centre of Mira.

Villas and Landscaped Gardens

For a closer look at villa culture, Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari offers several specific points of interest. It is open for tourist visits from Tuesday to Sunday and on public-holiday Mondays. Opening hours are 10:00–13:00 and 13:30–16:30. There is a half-hour break between the villa’s two daily opening periods, which should be taken into account when planning your visit. The mansion extends over three floors and is fully furnished with historic furniture, Murano glass chandeliers and brocade curtains. The villa also contains a room dedicated to the gondola and the associated traditional crafts.

The listed park of Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari covers more than 16,000 square metres. Hornbeam avenues, old roses and a romantic pond with bald cypresses characterise this part of the grounds. When viewing the villa and park, both the historic architecture and the carefully designed outdoor spaces come to the fore.

Mira Porte and Other Buildings

Mira Porte is part of the area’s history. Mira Porte is considered a small village with the appearance of an 18th-century settlement. A lock once opened beneath the central square. Mira Porte received its name in the 17th century, when locks were built there that were also referred to as “Porte”. Several other buildings add to this historical heritage: Villa Franceschi dates from the 17th century. Villa Valier gave the entire site and Parco Valmarana the name “La Chitarra”. Barchessa Valmarana is the surviving part of the original architectural complex of Villa Valmarana, which consisted of a main building and two barchesse. Villa Contarini Dei Leoni houses the town theatre.

Excursions in the Surrounding Area

The IAT at Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari provides information about excursions on the Brenta and in the Venetian Lagoon. In the wider area around Mira, the Ville Card combines visits to Barchessa Valmarana and Villa Widmann with visits to other villas, bicycle hire and trips on the Brenta. For planning your trip, this allows you to consider architecture, gardens, walks, cycling experiences and excursions on the water as different areas of focus.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Brugine, Terradura, Torreglia, Conselve, Sant'elena, Stanghella, San Giorgio In Brenta, Cornoleda

For the overarching travel overview: Padua.