Best things to see in Vicenza

8,3km

Teatro Olimpico

It is the first modern enclosed theatre, designed by Palladio in 1580 taking inspiration from the Vetruvio majestic Roman theatres. Cultural events and shows still take place in the venue

Opening times: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 17.00 (last entrance at 16.30) - Tel.: +39 0444.222800

8,9km

Basilica palladiana

Goethe once said “It is impossible to describe the Palladio’s Basilica” because of its beautiful and majestic architecture. The building, which has never been used for religious ceremonies, has one of its main features in the Loggia, where you can see the first example of “Palladian window”. At the time Palladio designed it, it was not yet famous.

Opening times: open to the public from 22 of June to 31 of October with panoramic terrace and bar; open from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 18.00 to midnight; Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 18.00 to 1.00 am; Saturday from 10 to 1.00 am; Sunday from 10.00 to midnight. - Tel.: +39 0444/222122

9,3km

Monte Berico Church

Built during the seventeenth century, it features the combination of two churches dating back to different periods; the first features Gothic style and the second a Baroque style. The church contains a number of artworks from XVI century artists such as Paolo Veronese and Bartolomeo Montagna.

Useful info: Basilica di Monte Berico - viale X Giugno, n. 87 – 36100 Vicenza - Tel. +39 0444.559411

8,5km

Chiericati Palace

In this historical building by Palladio, you can find the Town Hall Museum with the Picture Gallery. It is worth paying a visit for its gorgeous original frescos and the selection of artworks dated back from the XIV to the XVII centuries.

Opening times: from 9.00 to 17.00 in winter season and from 10.00 to 18.00 in summer time. Tel. (+39) 0444 222811

9,9km

Corso Palladio

It is the main street in Vicenza: a lively place where you can enjoy fabulous shops and arts, surrounded by amazing Palladian buildings such as Palazzo Valmarana, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Ca’ D’Oro and Palladio’s House - now a museum in honor of this great artist.

7,1km

Ville Palladiane

To get the flavour of the noble villas designed by Palladio hop on the bus n.8 from Viale Roma. You cannot miss the Giardino Salvi, a spectacular English-style garden that hosts the Loggia Longhena and the Loggia Valmarana (open from 7.30 to 20.00). Another famous venue is Villa Rotonda, which is richly decorated with stuccos and frescos and on the main floor features a dome recalling the Roman Pantheon; Villa Rotonda is open from February to November from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00.

7,8km

Villa Valmarana “Ai Nani”

In the area surrounding Vicenza is located the famous Villa Valmarana “ai Nani” (dwarfs), so called because its garden featured 17 statues of dwarfs now positioned on the boundary wall. Although Palladio was really close to the Valmarana family he did not design this villa, which can boast instead amazing frescos by Gianbattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, considered some of their greatest achievements (Open from February to November from 10-15.30/12.00-18.00).