Valpolicella · Verona · Italy · 16th-Century Venetian Villa
A 16th-century Venetian villa in the Valpolicella hills, home to one of Italy's most important private contemporary art collections — Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, and 60 international artists inhabit a building designed by Michele Sanmicheli, architect to the Republic of Venice.
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà occupies a historic Venetian villa at Corrubbio di Negarine in the Valpolicella hills — a building whose central core dates to the 16th century, designed by Michele Sanmicheli, the great Veronese master of Renaissance military and civic architecture. The current structure was built in 1700 by Ignazio Pellegrini, and the original features of both eras remain in the interior. The estate stands on the remains of a Roman "strong house," above the vineyards that produce Valpolicella Classico and Amarone.
The villa was transformed in 2005 into one of Italy's most distinctive contemporary art hotels. The 56 rooms and suites are all unique, each containing a work of art from the hotel's collection — a collection that includes Damien Hirst's pharmaceutical cabinets, Anish Kapoor's concave mirror in the lobby, Vanessa Beecroft's hyperrealist golden sculpture, and works by more than 60 international artists. The property holds a Michelin Key 2025, the new hospitality distinction from the Michelin Guide.
The Amistà Restaurant, under Executive Chef Donato De Leonardis, received a Michelin star for its contemporary Mediterranean philosophy rooted in the Veneto and the Adriatic — tasting menus (including a vegan menu) that express the meeting of research, tradition, and artistic sensibility that defines the entire hotel.
The 56 rooms and suites of Byblos Art Hotel are all different — each interior was designed individually by Alessandro Mendini and contains a unique artwork from the hotel's private collection. The Junior Art Suite provides a generous space in the historic villa, with the Venetian architectural envelope (stone floors, high ceilings, antique features) in dialogue with contemporary furniture and the artist's work placed specifically for this room. This is not a hotel with art on the walls; it is a hotel that is itself a work of art.
The villa's historic rooms retain original features from both the 16th and 18th centuries — the architecture of Michele Sanmicheli and Ignazio Pellegrini — adapted seamlessly for luxury hospitality. The pool, spa, and formal gardens complement the interior with the same quality of attention.
The Amistà Restaurant at Villa Amistà holds a Michelin Key 2025. Executive Chef Donato De Leonardis expresses a philosophy of research, deep respect for Italian tradition, and a contemporary Mediterranean sensibility. The three tasting menus draw on the Veneto's extraordinary produce — Garda lake fish, Lugana wine, Vialone Nano rice, Lessinia beef — and Adriatic seafood.
Lunch in the Verona historic centre, Valpolicella estate tastings, and the Peter's Bar in the hotel complete a dining programme drawn entirely from one of Italy's most intensely gastronomic landscapes. The hotel's private wine cellar houses the best Amarone and Ripasso vintages from the surrounding estates.
Four nights in a 16th-century Venetian villa that has become one of Italy's most significant art hotels — Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor on the walls, Amarone in the cellar, and a Michelin Key restaurant at the table.
Add-ons: Private wine collector experience +$1,000 · Helicopter tour over Valpolicella vineyards +$2,500
Byblos Art Hotel is not a hotel with art on the walls — it is a hotel that is itself a work of art. The 56 rooms are all different because they were each designed by Alessandro Mendini to house a different work from the private collection. You don't view the collection; you sleep inside it. Anish Kapoor's mirror reflects the lobby you cross every morning. Damien Hirst's butterfly installation is in the corridor. The Venetian Renaissance shell was designed by Michele Sanmicheli. And the Amarone estate is visible from the garden.
A 4-night stay inside one of Italy's most distinctive art hotels — a 16th-century Venetian villa in the Valpolicella hills, with works by Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, and 60 international artists in every room. Michelin Key dining, Amarone wine country, and the Arena di Verona opera.
Private art curator tour. Valpolicella estate tasting. Verona historic centre and opera. A Michelin Key kitchen drawing on the Veneto and the Adriatic. Four nights in a villa where you sleep inside the art collection.
All components are fully flexible — refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.