Awarded by UNESCO with the title of World Heritage thanks to having been largely designed by Andrea Palladio, Vicenza is considered one of the pearls of Veneto.
Located on the northern edge of the Po Plain, the city was founded by the Romans and then passed under the rule of the Lombards and then the Republic of Venice.
In addition to the 23 Palladian monuments (including 3 splendid Villas inserted in the urban context), this center boasts many architectural (civil and religious) and artistic works.
The Palladian Basilica, built in 1549 by Andrea Palladio, represented even in the Middle Ages the major center of interest of the capital, also for its central position on Piazza dei Signori.
Famous for its characteristic white loggias of classical inspiration, the building is flanked by the Bissara Tower.
The Olympic Theatre, designed by Palladio in 1580, was the first example of a permanent theater of the modern age and hosts valuable statues and paintings commissioned by the noble families of the place.
The Palazzo del Capitano, a late work by Palladio and located in front of the Basilica, consists of a wide loggia with vaults that supports the wonderful main floor rich in precious frescoes of the 16th century.
Another creation by Palladio is the Palazzo Chiericati, seat of the Civic Picture Gallery, which presents a central body flanked by two slightly set back lateral portions, capable of offering an unusual perspective impact.
In addition to the most famous monuments, Vicenza allows you to discover fascinating unusual corners.
Near the famous Piazza dei Signori, for example, is the Piazzetta Palladio, a small architectural jewel that hosts the only statue dedicated to Andrea Palladio.
In a more backward position you can also admire the splendid Piazza delle Erbe, where the thirteenth-century Torre del Girone is located, used in the past as a place of torture.
Vicenza has also been called the "City of Bridges" as, being crossed by the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers, it contains numerous crossing points.
The Pusterla Bridge, first built in wood and then rebuilt in stone, used to be the only entrance to the city.
The Ponte degli Angeli, which takes its name from the homonymous Church no longer existing, has an unusual structure with wide arches.
The Ponte delle Barche, which is the oldest of all Vicentine bridges, is distinguished by its structure with particularly low arches, so much so that it is sometimes flooded by the waters of the Retrone river.
In Vicenza, a few hours should also be dedicated to visiting the numerous Parks, which harmoniously fit into the urban context, alternating vast public areas with delightful private gardens, often visible inside historic buildings.
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