Museo della Grande Guerra «La villa del Principe»

About the museum

In 2019 the old cellars of Villa Godi Malinverni in Lugo di Vicenza became home to a second museum, dedicated to two English figures of the First World War whose destinies are linked to this area. During the conflict many Venetian villas became military centres. Their secure position and regal interiors led to Villa Godi being chosen as the headquarters of the British Army between 1917 and 1918, after the defeat at Caporetto.

From here the British command coordinated some 36,000 men deployed in support of the Italian army on the Asiago plateau. The Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII, stayed in the villa for almost a year, visiting military positions and flying over the area from the Rozzampia airfield.

The second protagonist is Vera Brittain, a pacifist and feminist writer, a volunteer nurse during the war and the author of “Testament of Youth”, in which she also recounted the loss of her brother, who fell on the Asiago plateau and was buried in the British cemetery at Granezza. The exhibition displays relics, period publications, infographics, panels and videos, a reconstructed trench, and prints of photographs and sketches of British soldiers held at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Highlights

• British Army headquarters in 1917–1918
• Biographies of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) and Vera Brittain
• Reconstructed First World War trench
• Prints of photographs and sketches of British soldiers from the Imperial War Museum
• Relics and period publications in the villa's cellars

Permanent exhibition

• La villa del Principe – Relics, publications, videos and a reconstructed trench tell the story of the British Army's presence in the Vicenza area and the lives of Edward VIII and Vera Brittain.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Villa Godi Malinverni

Admission & discounts

The museum has no ticket of its own: the admission ticket covers the villa, the Palladian gardens, the centuries-old park and the museums. A paper guide is included free with the adult ticket. Tickets can be bought online and at the ticket office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The lower floors, gardens and park are fully accessible, while visiting the villa's noble halls is more difficult. A virtual tour, a sensory trail in the park, video guides in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and a guided video call with the property are available. Booking is recommended for visitors with mobility difficulties.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family ticket, educational routes for schools and a sensory trail in the park suitable for families and people with cognitive disabilities.

Getting there & parking

The property is located in Lugo di Vicenza, at Via Andrea Palladio 44, 4 km from the Breganze exit of the Superstrada Pedemontana Veneta.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The restaurant “Il Torchio Antico” is located in the barchessa from 1533.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit