Nicolò and Alvise Foscari, members of the richest and most powerful family in Venice, commissioned the villa which was built by Andrea Palladio between 1555 and 1560. Nicolò was one of the most important family members because he owned so much property. He and his family were powerful in Venice and were members of the Great Council of Venice.
The villa was built as a suburban residence to host important guests, such as Henry III of Valois who became King of France in 1574. Being on the river, the villa was easily accessible by boat from Venice.