This chapter is dedicated to a particular culture relating to the way one might ideally lead one's life in line with ancient practices and views. The trend in question, which developed in Padua in the first half of the Cinquecento, was promoted by such humanists as Pietro Bembo, Alvise Cornaro and Marco Mantova Benavides. Exceptional connoisseurs of the mores and values of antiquity, these intellectuals personally supervised and directed the building of their homes. Following the model of Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, the complexes of these Paduan residences comprised dwelling areas, pavilions, large gardens and the installation of fountains, statues and rare plants. Inspired by literary sources, the ideal of recreating the ‘ancient’ way of life, in which music played a crucial role, was revived.