The Villa, located on the Riviera Silvio Trentin, is just a few meters from the Church of San Nicolò. Initially named Villa Contarini, it is now called "dei Leoni" thanks to the two lions placed at the sides of the central entrance staircase built in the 19th century.
The building was reconstructed in 1558 at the behest of procurator Federico Contarini. The structure has a rectangular plan and is divided into three floors. The complex includes, in addition to the Villa, the barchessa and the oratory. In 1696, the Pisani, the new owners, commissioned a series of frescoes from Giambattista Tiepolo, dedicated to a stay in the villa by King Henry III in 1574. The King of France and Poland, in fact, when he arrived in Mira, insisted on visiting the building. The frescoes were torn down in 1893 and sold abroad. Today they are preserved in the prestigious Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris. A stone inscription commemorates the king's visit and is placed on the façade.
The original appearance of the building is unknown, while we only have a few printed reproductions from the 18th century depicting the transformations it underwent over time; likely the attic plan and the four dormers were added later by the Pisani.
The interiors have arrived largely stripped. Inside the villa, located on the second floor, there remains a large washbasin made of red Verona marble, which is the only object dating back to the time of the Contarini.
The oratory has been dated to the late 17th century; in 1978 it was restored after being severely damaged by the earthquake of 1976, and today it is used for ceremonies and artistic exhibitions. The park was originally very extensive and famous for its rare plants and essences; today it is designated as a public park.
The barchessa has been restored and has now become the municipal theater of Mira.
Villa dei Leoni became the property of the Municipality of Mira in the mid-20th century: in 1955 it was used as an elementary school, and subsequently the first public showers were established in this location, which also served for several years as the site of the municipal library and demographic offices. The last restoration was completed in 2008.
Villa dei Leoni is still owned by the municipality and is used for exhibitions and events.
