Roman in origin, the villa evolved from serving as a rural and farming center to a stately country residence. Over time the villa's agricultural function became secondary to a new ideal-a place for intellectual leisure and healthy country living. As a result, the new dwelling had to reflect a cultivated design as did its landscaping. Villas were no longer the work of unskilled laborers but of gifted architects, the best known of which is Andrea Palladio, whose style remains influential today. This lavish volume is based on 10 years of technical visits. It follows the spread of the style to over one hundred countries and over one thousand villas are documented. All styles and all periods illustrated. Includes 700 photographs and 300 drawings

About the Author:

Ovidio Guaita is an architect, photographer, and journalist. He is affiliated with the University of Florence's School of Architecture and writes for Ville Giardini magazine. He has published some 20 books of photographs, including Great Houses around the World and Terrestrial Paradise.