The riviera refers the strip of mainland Venice which actually comprises nearly a quarter of the city on the lagoon. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the Riviera del Brenta experienced a golden era during which it was transformed into a rather elite enclave of wealthy, patrician Venitians.
Strung like pearls all along the river running Venice to Padua are their villas, the Ville Venete, jewels in the crown of Venice across the lagoon.

Rich in the reflected splendor of its erstwhile inhabitants, the Riviera del Brenta is still decked out in lavish floral gardens, sparkling with the glint of water shining off marble statues, lulled by the gracious willows swaying languidly in the breeze...
Interwoven with this natural endowment, is an fundamental thread of fine art and a tradition of hospitality, a cuisine perfected by generations living near the sea, and the dedicated patronage of artisanry, shoemaking in particular. Generations of artists and have taken inspiration from this place so steeped in moody romaniticism.
The villas are immediately striking in their varied architectural styles which range from the austerity of the 16th century to the playful frivolity of the 17th, to the more rational mood of the 18th century. Some of the most splendid were designed by the great architect Palladio, the ceilings adorned by entire story cycles painted by great masters such as Tiepolo.

The Villas
Along the River

See also:
A Toast to Tiepolo
Venice City Guide