Vicenza is a city of history, culture and the arts in the Veneto region of Italy. It is packed with theatres, museums, art galleries and opera houses. Many of the landmark buildings in Vicenza were designed by Andrea Palladio, the great Renaissance architect who gave the world the Palladian style of design. Join the elite frequenting the city Vicenza is one of the wealthiest parts of Italy. Its economy relies heavily on the textile, steel and jewellery industries.
Stroll through the main part of the city’s historic centre, the rectangular Piazza dei Signori. See architectural wonders from centuries ago, such as the Palladian Basilica and the Bissara Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Vicenza. It dates back to the 12th century. The Loggia del Capitanio (Palace of the Captain), a red-columned structure, is home to the city’s Town Hall. Admire the giant building, Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, and the Church of St. Vincent in its centre.
Visit the 16th-century Olympic Theatre, Palladio’s last work. The UNESCO site claims to have the longest surviving stage set in the world. The set creates the illusion of a long street in the background. It was first set up in 1585. See a range of performances from plays to classical concerts or even a jazz show at the theatre.
Nearby is the Palazzo Chiericati, a 16th-century palace of Renaissance design with a white façade, full of columns. Look up to see rooftop statues. The palace has recently served as a museum and art gallery.
Explore the Palazzo Thiene, which dates back to the 1500s, currently a bank headquarters. Admire its façade split into two floors of columns and arches.
The city of Vicenza is just 37 miles (59.5 kilometres) west of Venice. The Vicenza Railway Station, which opened in 1846, frequently serves passengers travelling to Milan and Venice.