Situated in a green expanse in a loop of the River Brenta at Stra, it is one of the most splendid and famous villas in the world. The Pisani family had it built to celebrate in princely style their rise to political power, when they were about to take the Dogeship in their hands.The villa was designed by one of the most distinguished architects of the time, Girolamo Frigimelica. Of the original plans, only the park with some of its architectural features remains, while the main building was realised by the architect Preti. The works dragged on and wing to financial restrains and the colossal scale of the work and the crises in Venice the Pisani family was not able to enjoy the magnificent frescoes in the salons, the delightful walks leading to the stables, the marvellous Maze and the richly ornate interiors of the residence. These were to be savoured by successive proprietors: napoleon, the Austrian officials of the Kingdom of Lombardy Venetia, and the Savoy dynasty.