Palazzo Balbi Valier

On the way to the bridge over the Soligo, you can admire Palazzo Balbi Valier on the left, a building that bears witness to the importance of the economic and social fabric of Pievigino over the centuries. It was built at the end of the 17th century by the Venetian noble family of the same name on the site of an existing 17th century villa. The building, which today serves as a residence, was the centre of a large production complex where the Balbi Valiers processed silk. Until the Second World War, Marta Sammartini, one of the few 20th century sculptors whose works have been preserved in the city, lived here with her family. At the back of the palace is still the ‘Balbi Centre’, a large inner courtyard around which several outbuildings have developed, which today house shops, offices, hotels and restaurants.