Discover Byron's Po at Villa Ca'Zen
River cruising is one of the most immersive and relaxing ways to explore a destination, and the tranquil waterways of Europe offer a plethora of opportunities to enjoy this much-loved mode of slow travel. In Italy, the Po River flows 650km through the north of the country and provides the perfect setting from which to discover its landscape, people and history in the most delightful way.
Villa Ca'Zen
One popular stop on LA BELLA VITA's Italian river cruise itinerary through the Veneto region is the lovely Villa Ca'Zen, a 17th-century villa in the Po Delta Nature Reserve, the country's biggest regional park. The villa's long and interesting history is inextricably linked to one of Britain's greatest poets: Lord Byron.
Early History
In the early 1700s, many wealthy Venetian families established grand estates throughout the Po Delta region, using the area for shooting, fishing and crop cultivation. The Ca'Zen estate was built by the Zen family around that time and is situated on the site of a small stone tabernacle dedicated to Saint Margherita dating back to 1459.
The original estate included the Venetian-style villa, along with a chapel, stables, and a portico. The chapel has a beautiful aspect directly facing the River Po and contains two important statues from the famous Bolognese School that depict Mary and the Archangel Gabriel during the Annunciation. In the early 1800s, when the estate passed from the Zen family's hands to the Marchesi Guiccioli of Ravenna, two extra wings were added to the villa, along with some outlying cottages and several large granary barns.
Byron's Muse
The history of the villa took on a romantic twist through its association with Lord Byron, perhaps the most romantic of all the great Romantic poets. Byron fell deeply in love with an Italian beauty, Contessa Teresa Gamba who, unfortunately, was already very spoken for as the wife of Alessandro Guiccioli.
Despite her marriage, the attraction was instant and mutual and they became lovers. Angered by their liaison, her husband sent her away to languish in the family estate (Ca'Zen) – which was far from the parties and social life of Venice – in an attempt to place distance between the poet and Teresa. Alas for Guiccioli, Byron instead pursued his passion and travelled secretly to the estate to be with Teresa. Whether it was due to his own amorous state or the inspiring landscape itself, it was from here that the poet penned some of his most celebrated and beautiful works, many of which were dedicated to his ladylove and the river.
Beyond Byron
In the ensuing years, the estate was taken over by the Casalicchio-Avanzo family, and it was the wife of Cavalier Pericle Avanzo, Elaine Avanzo Westropp Bennett, who suggested using part of the country house to rent out to visitors looking for some bucolic respite. Its location in the heart of the environmental reserve is ideal for a host of outdoor pursuits. Today, the villa is also very popular as a wedding venue.
The romance, history, culture and landscape of this relatively unspoilt region combine to create a truly memorable experience both on and off the water.
About The Italian Hotel Barge Bella Vita
Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita
La Bella Vita
La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colors throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.
There are two main deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en suite facilities. The upper deck has a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax and watch the world drift by.
Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew that will make this an unforgettable cruise.
La Bella Vita offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Themed cruises such as family, golf, opera, and wine appreciation are available for private charters.
- Learn More: Online Brochure
- Route: Venice, the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon, the Bianca Canal and the Po Valley
- Up to 20 guests
- Private charters and Cabin cruises
- Itineraries: Standard classic, Family, Golf, Opera, Wine appreciation
- Special offers for solo travellers: Click here
Discover the Waterways of Northern Italy
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLA VITA
View La Bella Vita's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
View La Bella Vita's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
