Exterior view

This building was commissioned by Daniele and Marcantonio Barbaro as a rebuilding of a family estate, some of the foundations of which were incorporated into Palladio's design. Palladio seems to have become a member of the Barbaro household staff.

The Villa Barbaro was the modest main building for a small working farm, and the manner in which the flanking wings extend into the landscape has a practical rather than a theoretical basis. The main façade is based on an ancient temple façade; the arcaded wings to either side culminate in large sundials and structures that suggest dovecotes.

The interior was decorated by Veronese.