From “Venetian Villas: The Province of Padua,” Marsilio 2001, edited by the Regional Institute for Venetian Villas:
On the area overlooking the valley, there also stands a dovecote tower, a transformation of a building certainly used for defensive monitoring, and not far away is Ca’ Morosini, built on the site of a monastic building. (...) the villa, the dovecote, the stable, and the farmer's dwelling, all located within the property, do not present a geometrically organized structure in the traditional “shape” of the Venetian villa, suggesting that originally Villa Ferrian was an ancient house-tower connected to the defensive system of the castles of Boccon (...) and Castelnuovo: the dating of the first structure can therefore be attributed to the 11th century. In “Euganean Hills – The Places of Rural Life,” Editoriale Programma 2009, with the sponsorship of the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, architect Piera Treu highlights the location, solidity, and strength of the structure.
Excellences of the villa:The interest aroused by Villa Ferrian is certainly increased by the ensemble of buildings that enclose its courtyard: three buildings intended for residence, one once used for the shelter of animals, and the dovecote tower. A particular attraction is expressed by the historic well, once used not only by the residences that overlooked the courtyard but also by other residents of the hamlet. The water extraction mouths are singular: one, with the usual shape of a wellhead surmounted by the beam from which the pulley was suspended, the other, usable from the courtyard level, and another, usable from the lawn at the foot of the large retaining wall, consisting of a charming portal in stone and brick that pierces the well shaft. The view towards the towns of the Berici Hills is wide.
Excellences of the context:Villa Ferrian is located within the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, which the European Community has classified as a Site of Community Interest and a Special Protection Area for fauna and flora. The natural excellence of the area is enhanced by the cycling ring of the Euganean Hills that winds at the foot of Zovon. The area was appreciated by many Venetian patrician families, as evidenced by the various sumptuous holiday residences they built starting from the 15th century until the decline of the Serenissima. In the municipality of VO', many other ancient villas can be found. Numerous wineries offer tastings of wines and other typical products made on-site.
