The most important and celebrated monuments in the city are along Vicenza's main street. The Basilica Palladiana, Teatro Olimpico and Palazzo Chiericati are just a taste of the myriad of buildings that have made this regional capital of Veneto famous. But there's much more to Vicenza then that: there are various attractions and sights of interest that date back to other eras, from ancient Rome to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, all the way up to the present day. Thanks to the rich offering of attractions and activities for all tastes and all ages, organising your holiday in Vicenza will be simple!
Vicenza's historic centre is home to all the most beautiful and important works by Andrea Palladio. Since it is a fairly compact area with good public transportation, you can see it in just a day. The simplest itinerary would be from Piazza del Castello, where the ruins of the ancient Castello Scaligero stand. From there, moving down Corso Andrea Palladio, you can admire two palaces by the great architect from Vicenza: Palazzo Porto-Breganze and Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare, with huge Corinthian half columns, typical of Palladio's later works.
Just 200 m away you'll find Corso Antonio Fogazzaro. Stop off here for a quick tour of Palazzo Valmarana Braga Rosa and the Church of San Lorenzo. It's worth it! Turning onto Contrà Pasini (which is right in front of Corso Antonio Fogazzaro) you get to Piazza Duomo, where you'll find the Cathedral of Vicenza. The adjacent Diocesan Museum is also worth a look. Palazzo Porti is on the south side of Piazza Duomo. Below it is an ancient Roman underground cryptoporticus made up of the remains of a Roman building and an early Christian church.
On the east side of Piazza Duomo a road leads to Piazza dei Signori with its monumental Basilica Palladiana, a major work and symbol of Vicenza. Here it's worth taking the time to stop and enjoy the splendid view.
Last but not least of Vicenza's attractions is the absolutely beautiful Teatro Olimpico. While seemingly insignificant on the outside, in reality it is a monument of incommensurable importance. Indeed, Vicenza's theatre is the oldest roofed theatre in Europe and also the first modern one to stand on its own. Obviously this, too, is one of Palladio's magnificent works, although completed posthumously by his pupil Scamozzi. The grandiose auditorium rises, step after step, in a semicircle around the stage. It was built based on the model of the ancient Greek theatres.
If you still have a little time left, don't miss the Basilica of Monte Berico in the southern part of the city, or the villas, Valmarana ai Nani and Rotonda, which are truly worth visiting. Vicenza's cuisine is definitely worthy of note, boasting authentic delicacies including the white asparagus of Bassano, the cherry of Marostica, sopressa Vicentina (salami), the Berico Euganeo ham of Veneto, and PDO Asiago cheese. Is your mouth already watering? Take a look at our holiday packages to Vicenza now and get ready for a new unforgettable adventure.