Vicenza: Palladio’s city
The architect who changed the world, and the medieval streets I have lived in for 25 years.
If you think Italy’s most beautiful architecture is only in Venice, Florence and Rome, let me introduce you to Vicenza. Elegant palazzi, cosy squares, historic cafés and architecture that became a model for the whole world.
Vicenza is called the city of Andrea Palladio, whose ideas inspired architects across Europe and America. But there is more behind the beautiful facades: wealthy merchants, powerful families, talented artists and people who knew how to live in style.
What we’ll see
- Piazza dei Signori and the Basilica Palladiana. The heart of the city. We’ll find out why the Basilica isn’t actually a basilica and how Palladio saved an old building.
- Corso Palladio. An open-air museum: palazzi, hidden courtyards and the stories of powerful families. We’ll learn to read architecture and notice the details tourists walk straight past.
- Teatro Olimpico. Palladio’s last masterpiece and the oldest indoor theatre of the modern age. The stage with its street perspectives creates the illusion of an endless city.
- Piazza delle Erbe. The city’s trading past, local traditions and baccalà alla vicentina, Vicenza’s famous dish.
- Monte Berico. If you wish, we’ll finish on the hill with the best view over the city.
Three options
- Classic Vicenza, 2 hours. The historic centre, Palladio, the Basilica, Teatro Olimpico and city legends.
- Vicenza and Palladio, 3–4 hours. The city and Villa La Rotonda, for those who want to get to know Palladio more deeply.
- Vicenza and wine, half a day. The city, local food and a tasting in the Berici Hills.
I live here, so I’ll tell you not only what is written in the textbooks but also unexpected facts and stories. After the tour you can stay for an aperitivo or try some local dishes.
Some cities don’t need loud advertising: one visit is enough to make you want to come back. Vicenza is one of them.
Photos from the route
What is included
- Walking tour with a guide
- Teatro Olimpico on request
Paid separately
- Teatro Olimpico ticket
FAQ
Is there time for lunch?
Yes, I will recommend an osteria the locals use.
Voices of Italy
Beauty will result from the beautiful form and from the correspondence of the whole to the parts, of the parts among themselves, and of these to the whole.
La bellezza risulterà dalla bella forma e dalla corrispondenza del tutto alle parti, delle parti fra loro, e di quelle al tutto
The light is born and dies; what remains of sunsets and dawns? Everything, Lord, except the eternal, is vain in this world.
Il lume nasce e muore; che riman dei tramonti e delle aurore? Tutto, Signore, tranne l’eterno, al mondo è vano.
In these three months and twenty days we sailed about four thousand leagues in one gulf of this Pacific sea.
In questi tre mesi e venti giorni andassemo circa de quattro mila leghe in uno golfo per questo mar Pacifico