The reason why the presence of villas is so generous in this area is due to the fact that, during the Venetian domination, the rich Veronese landowners moved for a certain period in the countryside just outside Verona to follow agricultural production or, more simply to relax on holiday.

Here are some of the most interesting Venetian Villas not to be missed during a trip to Valpolicella:

• VILLA SEREGO-SANTA SOFIA, built only in part with respect to the design of its architect, Andrea Palladio.
  Of particular interest are the irregular Ionic columns of the central courtyard.
  Since 1996 the villa has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inside there is a renowned Valpolicella winery.

• VILLA GIONA FAGIUOLI, an ancient fortress guarding the Castelrotto hill; today it houses a prestigious hotel surrounded by a large garde.

• VILLA MONTRESOR - DEL QUAR, formed by buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, arranged in a horseshoe shape around an elegant garden; now inside there is a luxury hotel.

• VILLA LEBRECHT, near the Pieve di San Floriano, houses a huge park and some rooms of the University of Verona are located in the rooms inside.

• VILLA BETTELONI, inhabited by the Veronese poets Cesare and Vittorio Betteloni; it is one of the oldest country residences in the whole Veronese area.

• VILLA AMISTÀ, today houses an exclusive luxury hotel; of particular interest is the large entrance hall adorned with a coffered ceiling.