On October 17, Villa Zileri in Monteviale (Vicenza) hosted the conference “Beyond Boundaries – Roots of Humus, Stories of Humanitas” (Villa Zileri), held as part of the 4th edition of the Venetian Villas Day 2025 project (Giornata delle Ville Venete) (October 17–19). The conference, featured among the side events of the Sustainability Biennale 2025, explored the identity of historic Venetian villas starting from the etymological link between fertile soil – humus – and human capital – humanitas, analyzing how these ancient case de villa have evolved from centers of agricultural production into modern multifunctional hubs.
The discussion focused on villas' ability today to serve as a management model integrating agricultural excellence, landscape preservation, and community engagement. The transition from their productive origins to their current cultural and tourism focus outlines a historical continuity in which economic activity remains tied to memory preservation and environmental responsibility.
“Roots of Humus, Stories of Humanitas’ fits seamlessly into the program of VSF's Sustainability Biennale, titled Urbs et Civitas this year, due to its alignment with the overarching thematic framework", stated VSF Director General Alessandro Costa. “We find strong affinities in placing the relationship between the land and the community that inhabits it at the center. In line with VSF’s mission, promoting an integrated sustainability model for Venice and the Veneto region starts with this bond. Venetian Villas, true cultural, historical, and civic hubs, demonstrate how cultural heritage, landscape stewardship, and sustainable regional development can move forward together. Sustainability is a shared journey that becomes reality only through a network of places, people, and expertise. In pursuing our goals, we seek integrated sustainability across its four dimensions – environmental, social, economic, and cultural – and Venetian Villas represent them in an exemplary manner.”
