Uncover the Wonders of Vicenza, from Palladio to Modern Festivals
A French art historian defined it as “a place blessed by heaven, one of those nests prepared by nature for the birth of Italian art.” UNESCO has included it among the World Heritage sites since 1994, and internationally it is happily known as the “city of Palladio.”
We are in Vicenza, capital of the province of the same name, a treasure chest of artistic, cultural, and architectural treasures, populated by over 115,000 inhabitants and nestled in the heart of Veneto. An important economic and industrial hub in Northern Italy, the city excels in the metalworking, textile, and goldsmith sectors, and is the Italian capital of gold processing.
But what makes it so fascinating and irresistible to visitors are the wonders that centuries of history have scattered throughout the urban fabric. It’s as if past events, the people who have passed through it, and the cultural ferment that animated its atmosphere have each left a small gift to the city, gradually adorning it with priceless memories.
The undisputed protagonist of the Renaissance was Palladio, the famous architect born in Vicenza, who introduced here, for the first time, the so-called serliana, or window decorated with columns. But the wonders of Vicenza cannot be summed up in a few words.
The constant flow of tourists from every part of Italy and Europe gives a good idea of its value in a precious puzzle of squares, churches, monuments, and refined buildings.
What to See in Vicenza
The exploration of the center can begin from Piazza dei Signori, the heart of the city and guardian of important buildings. Here you can admire palaces of great value and beauty, first of all the famous Palladian Basilica, built in the Middle Ages but completely redesigned by Palladio in the 16th century.
Already a hub of political and economic activities in the Middle Ages, originally characterized by Gothic lines, the palace was enriched by classical loggias in white stone and an imposing roof in the shape of an upturned ship’s hull, covered with copper plates.
The latter was bombed during World War II but carefully rebuilt and restored in 2010. The Jewelry Museum also finds its space here. The Basilica stands next to the Torre Bissara, built in the 12th century, and even today, with its 82 meters, it remains one of the tallest buildings in Vicenza.
Another must-see is the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, also built by Palladio, which stands out for its original façade and currently houses important cultural institutions such as the Palladian Museum and the Andrea Palladio International Centre for Architectural Studies. Equally important is Palazzo Chiericati, built in 1550, considered one of Palladio’s most beautiful creations, now serving as the Civic Art Gallery.
Teatro Olimpico
Among the civil buildings, the Teatro Olimpico, designed by Jacopo Scamozzi, a trusted student of Palladio, is a true highlight. It’s renowned for the spectacular marble stage scenography that replicates a triumphal arch in reduced scale, making it one of the most famous theaters in the world.
The touch of Palladio is also at its best in the churches that dot Vicenza. The queen is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built over various phases, with its dome and northern portal created by Palladio.
Events, Festivals, and Demonstrations
Throughout the year, Vicenza hosts numerous cultural exhibitions and events, maintaining a modern and dynamic atmosphere despite its rich historical legacy. Among the most anticipated occasions are New Conversations Vicenza Jazz in May and Vicenza Summerfest, which runs from June to August, featuring open-air concerts, films, and theatrical performances.
What is the best time of the year to visit Vicenza?
In September, the city celebrates its patronal feast with a magical dinner under the stars along Corso Palladio, while antique markets take place every second Sunday of the month. Even the Advent period has its charm, with Christmas markets and light decorations, culminating in the quirky “Run Father Christmas, Run!” race.