Beyond Venice: Discovering the Magic of Castello di Roncade

Beyond the crowds of Venice lies a timeless Italy—one that invites you to slow down, breathe, and truly feel its soul

There is a part of Italy that many travelers don’t see. A quieter, deeper Italy… the one that begins where the crowds of Venice slowly fade, and the rhythm of life becomes softer, more authentic.

After more than twenty years living in the United States, I have learned something very important: people don’t just fall in love with Italy because of its famous landmarks… they fall in love with the feeling of Italy. And that feeling often lives just beyond the obvious.

One of those places, very close to my heart, is the magical Castello di Roncade.

A Hidden Renaissance Jewel Near Venice

Only about 30 minutes from Venice, this extraordinary place feels like stepping into another time. Surrounded by vineyards and silence, it is the only pre-Palladian Venetian villa still enclosed by medieval walls and towers—almost like a fortress protecting centuries of history.

But this is not just a monument. It is a living place.

A Story That Began Over a Thousand Years Ago

The origins of this land date back to the 10th century, when a fortress stood here under Emperor Otto II. That structure was later destroyed, and in the early 1500s, the noble Giustinian family rebuilt the estate, transforming it into the elegant Renaissance villa we admire today.

Designed by architect Mauro Coducci, the castle soon became a place of culture and refined life. Through the centuries, it has witnessed history unfold—from noble Venetian life to the dramatic moments of World War II.

And yet, despite everything, it still stands today… graceful, authentic, and alive.

A Place to Experience, Not Just Visit

What I love most about Castello di Roncade is that it is not a museum frozen in time, but a place you can truly experience.

Being there feels like an embrace… as if the castle gently takes you back in time. It invites you to slow down, to breathe, to simply be.

And then there is the garden—a place I never tire of walking through.

Strolling outside the villa is like entering a quiet dream. Nature surrounds you in the most elegant way: majestic trees that have stood for over 200 years, silently witnessing generations pass by… timeless statues that seem to welcome you with their graceful poses… and even the little animals that roam freely—chickens wandering peacefully, with their proud rooster watching over them.

But what makes this place even more special is that you don’t have to just visit… you can truly live it.

At Castello di Roncade, you can stay overnight inside the villa or even within the towers themselves—beautiful rooms and apartments that blend historic charm with comfort.

And of course… there is the wine!

Because this is not only a historic residence—it is also a working estate, where a long tradition of winemaking continues to this day. You can taste wines produced right there on the property, surrounded by the vineyards that give them life.

Can you imagine what it feels like to wake up in a place like this?

To open your window and realize you are inside a castle…
To step outside in the early morning light…
To walk slowly through the park, surrounded by silence…
To smell the roses, watch the trees moving gently in the breeze…
And to hear, in the distance, the simple, comforting sound of chickens and a rooster welcoming a new day.

It is not just a stay.
It is a feeling.
It is a memory that stays with you.

A Special Night Ahead

A few days ago, I walked once again through the castle as we prepared for a very special evening on May 3rd, where I will be performing an intimate and romantic concert.

It is a true honor to perform in places like this, and I feel deeply grateful to Claudio Ciani Bassetti, owner of Castello di Roncade, whose passion and care keep this extraordinary place alive, preserving its history while warmly opening it to guests.

There is something truly special about performing in a place that is not only beautiful, but deeply loved and cared for by those who call it home.

And every time I return here, I am reminded of its quiet magic.

“Some places don’t just welcome you… they stay with you.”

I truly cannot wait for May 3rd… for a musical night in this extraordinary setting, where music, history, and atmosphere come together in the most beautiful way.

Why This Matters Today

In a world that moves so fast, places like this remind us of something essential. Beauty takes time. Tradition matters. And authenticity cannot be rushed.

This is the Italy I carry in my heart… the one that lives just beyond Venice. In the villages, in the people, in places like Castello di Roncade.

Because the true beauty of Italy is not only something you see… it is something you feel.

Through my music and my work, I am simply trying to share that feeling—to bring you closer to the true soul of this land. And one day, I hope with all my heart to welcome you here, so you can truly experience it for yourself.

For now, I’m counting the days until May 3rd—an evening where music and emotion will embrace us, and the soul of Italy will come alive. A moment that lingers in the heart long after the last note fades.

I can’t wait to take you even deeper into these beautiful lands I love so much.