Barchessa

Barchessas were characterized by a long arcade with high round arches and used for services including kitchens, farm staff, stables, and barns.

[1] As interpreted outside of Italy, the barchessas (barchesse in Italian) evolved to become defining elements of Palladian architecture.

In the historical region of the Republic of Venice the barchessas are almost always are arranged on either side of the main house, and are an integral part of a large productive agricultural complex.

The orientation was also important: in his I quattro libri dell'architettura (Venice, 1570), Palladio states that the barchesse should face south to keep the stored hay from fermenting and burning.

During the 19th century many buildings of the Venetian patriciate were demolished, leaving only the barchessas, useful as cottages or warehouses.