Vicenza is a city located in Veneto, one of the prettiest of the 20 regions of Italy. Although it is often overlooked in favor of its big sisters, Verona and Venice, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Vicenza if you’re visiting for a few days.
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
IS VICENZA WORTH VISITING & WHAT IT IS KNOWN FOR
Even UNESCO deemed it very special – in 1994, the city (and its surrounding villas) was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, making it a great weekend getaway destination or a visit-worthy stop on an Italy road trip.
Vicenza’s main claim to fame is as ‘The City of Palladio,’ referring to the renowned architect Andrea Palladio.
He was born in nearby Padua but moved to Vicenza, where he lived most of his life. The city is home to 23 of Palladio’s works, which primarily included villas and churches built during the 16th century.
The city is also responsible for ⅕ of the country’s gold and jewelry production, giving it a cosmopolitan flair. To learn more about what it has to offer before you travel, check out this Vicenza bucket list.
Where to Stay in Vicenza
Highly-rated accommodations in Vicenza include Palazzo Valmarana Braga (housed in a building designed by Andrea Palladio), Glam Boutique Hotel, and Portico Rosso B&B.
Best Things to Do in Vicenza, Italy
Teatro Olimpico
The Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater) is the final work of Andrea Palladio, and perhaps one of his most influential. At the time of its construction, most performances were taking place at temporary theatres set up outdoors.
The Teatro Olimpico is among the first in the world to have an indoor, permanent structure. The first production here was Oedipus Rex, though there weren’t many performances in this theatre initially.
If you look through the archway, you’ll see trompe l’oeil paintings that were designed to look like the streets of Thebes. Today, you can tour the inside, though performances here are a rarity.
Opening hours and prices: See them here.
Garden of the Teatro Olimpico
The gardens outside of the Teatro Olimpico are nothing short of breathtaking. Gorgeous ivy-covered buildings surround the perimeter of the gardens and courtyard.
With ancient statues lining a gravel path and benches tucked away for people-watchers, it makes for a perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and take in the moment.
Piazza Dei Signori
Piazza dei Signori is the main square in Vicenza, a gorgeous Italian piazza, and the perfect place for people-watching or enjoying an evening cocktail.
Here, you can admire the greatest concentration of Palladio’s work, including the Basilica Palladiana. There are also several restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, perfect for a summer evening.
Torre Bissara
Torre Bissara is a large civic tower in Piazza dei Signori and one of the tallest buildings in Vicenza at 82 meters high.
It dates back to the 12th century, though it was hit by an Anglo-American bombing in 1945. It has since been restored and rebuilt.
Its stonework tells the history of Vicenza, and at the top of the tower is a headless statue of the goddess Athena.
Basilica Palladiana
The Basilica Palladiana is a Renaissance building in the center of Vicenza built by Andrea Palladio.
The building features one of the first examples of Palladio’s original architectural concept, which came to be known as the ‘Palladian Window’. Today, the city hosts events and exhibits at the Basilica Palladiana.
Loggia Del Capitanio (Palazzo Del Capitaniato)
Facing the Basilica Palladiana, this palace (which was also designed by Palladio), was once the residence of the Capitanio of Vicenza, the military representative of the Republic of Venice in the city of Vicenza.
To contrast the white basilica, the architect purposely used red brick, as well as different architectural embellishments, and the result is nothing short but stunning.
La Rotonda
La Rotonda is a Renaissance villa (sometimes called Villa Almerico Capra) just outside Vicenza’s city center.
A former Vatican priest, Paolo Almerico, commissioned the building upon his return to his hometown of Vicenza. It is also one of Palladio’s masterpieces and among his most popular.
The villa (or, more aptly named palazzo) is situated upon a hill and was designed to provide the most light to each room, with each façade facing a cardinal point.
Opening hours and prices: See them here.
Villa Valmarana AI Nani
Villa Valmarana ai Nani is a set of three large buildings surrounded by rose gardens. The earliest building was built in the late 15th century, and the newer two less than one hundred years later.
The interior of the buildings is adorned with ornate frescoes by Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo. The theme of the frescoes is all inspired by the favorite books of the son of Giustino Valmarana, commissioner of the villa.
Although the building was erected after his death, there is a large portrait in the villa that features Palladio.
Opening hours and prices: See them here.
Corso Andrea Palladio
Corso Andrea Palladio traverses the city center from the Teatro Olimpico to Piazza Castello at the city gate.
Along the street, you’ll see two palaces by Andrea Palladio, the town hall of Vicenza, Piazza Matteotti, and other beautiful spots.
From Piazza Matteotti, you can see the Teatro Olimpico and Palazzo Chiericati. Along the street are also shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Vicenza Cathedral
Vicenza Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is the seat of the Bishop of Vicenza. Construction began in the late 15th century and was completed a century later.
Andrea Palladio designed its iconic cupola, and the building has undergone extensive renovations since all that remained after the bombing of WWII was the original façade.
Chiesa DI Santa Corona
Santa Corona is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic church in Vicenza.
It was the original burial site of Andrea Palladio, but its more interesting claim to fame is that it houses a thorn from the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear. Louis IX of France gave the thorn to Bishop Bartolomeo di Breganze as a gift.
Le Scalette
Le Scalette (‘the stairs’) are situated underneath a famous archway erected by Palladio (Arco delle Scalette). The set of 192 stairs is one of the routes that reach Monte Berico.
They are used by Caserma Ederle soldiers as a workout – running up and down the stairs fully adorned in paratrooper gear! I tried this once – in regular gym clothes – 0/10, do not recommend it, but still a unique experience to have in Italy.
Arcades of Mount Berico (Portici DI Monte Berico)
Another way to get to Monte Berico is through a series of arcades/covered porticos dating back to the 18th century.
They have a religious meaning, as you’ll see 10 groups of 15 arches (each) that symbolize the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary.
Santuario DI Monte Berico
After the arduous trek up Le Scalette, you’ll reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico, located high on a hill that offers sweeping views of the city.
In the 15th century, many people in Veneto were greatly suffering from a terrible plague. Allegedly, the Madonna promised the people that she would rid them of the plague if they built a church on top of Monte Berico. Three months later, the people finished the church.
In front of the sanctuary is a small park and Piazzale della Vittoria, where you can take in the views. You can see everything, from the foothills of the Dolomites to the Venetian Lagoon, along with many other sites in Veneto.
Museo DI Santa Corona
One of my favorite museums in Vicenza, the Santa Corona Museum, is divided into two sections – naturalistic and archeological.
The naturalistic exhibits depict different characteristics of the territory, particularly the Berici hills. Here, you can learn about plants and wildlife endemic to the area.
The archeological section displays relics, tools, and fossils found in the area, dating back to prehistoric times.
Ponte San Michele
For a picturesque view of a peaceful area of Vicenza, head to the Ponte San Michele (San Michele Bridge). It is located at the south end of Vicenza, near the Basilica.
Be sure to check it out at night as well, when the lights are on and their reflection sparkles in the river water below.
Parco Querini
Parco Querini is surrounded by the banks of the Bacchiglione River and the expanse of Venetian walls that run the length of Viale Rodolfi.
Inside, there is a tree-lined avenue adorned with statues, a small pond surrounding an islet with a small temple, and a fairy-tale-like grove.
Parco Querini makes for the perfect thing to do in Vicenza if you need some green space and a reprieve from the activities in the city center.
Jewelry Museum
The Jewelry Museum is definitely worthy of a spot on your itinerary. Given the city’s status as a top gold producer and jewelry manufacturer in Italy, it’s one of the best things to do in Vicenza.
The museum has nine rooms that display jewelry from everywhere – large fashion houses, small goldsmiths, local jewelers in the area, etc.
You will learn a lot about the creative process, craftsmanship, and artistic experimentation as you peruse the different exhibits on display.
Opening hours and prices: See them at the bottom of this page.
Palazzo Barbaran Da Porto
Another building designed by Andrea Palladio and a must-see in Vicenza, the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto houses the Palladio Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the brilliant architect.
Surprisingly, this palace is the only one he saw completed, and its beauty is something to be appreciated on the inside and out.
Opening hours and prices: See them here.
Palazzo Chiericati
Palazzo Chiericati is another of Palladio’s architectural gems in the city. The building dates back to the mid-16th century when Palladio initially started his designs, but it wasn’t completed until the end of the 17th century.
The City of Vicenza obtained it in the mid-19th century with the intention of housing an epic art collection. A few years later was the inauguration of the Civic Art Gallery (also known as the Civic Museum).
Civic Art Gallery (Civic Museum)
Housed in the Palazzo Chiericati, the Civic Art Gallery is a museum home to over 35,000 paintings, sculptures, graphics, and other artistic endeavors. Some works date all the way back to the Middle Ages.
You can find some truly breathtaking works of the great masters of Venetian painting, such as Bassano and Veronese. Additionally, you’ll find the famed sculptures of Sansovino and the rock crystals of Valerio Belli.
If you’re an art buff, this is a must-add item to your list of tourist attractions in Vicenza.
Palazzo Leoni Montanari
Here is an example of a museum whose building is as beautiful as the art on display.
Palazzo Leoni Montanari’s art gallery (Gallerie d’Italia) boasts three important collections – Attic and Magna Graecia ceramics, Russian icons, and Venetian art from the 18th century. There are also temporary exhibits displayed.
Opening hours and prices: See them here.
Basilica Dei Santi Felice E Fortunato
This little church is slightly out of the usual tourist way but has stunning interior architecture and mosaics dating back to the 4th century.
It is certainly one of the more interesting things to see in Vicenza, but make sure you visit in the morning as it closes around noon each day.
Church of San Lorenzo
Finish your sightseeing in Vicenza in the northwest part of the city center, where you’ll find the Church of San Lorenzo, which dates back to the 13th century.
Constructed in Italian Gothic and Romanesque styles, both its exteriors and interiors are packed with unique architectural details. It’s also worth exploring the church’s cloister.
Baccalà Alla Vicentina
The city’s claim to fame on the foodie scene is Baccalà alla Vicentina, a traditional Italian dish from Vicenza. Its main ingredients are cod, milk, onions, and anchovies.
It has an unusually sweet flavor (for a fish dish) due to the milk sugars. I’m not usually one for dishes made with stockfish, but this is a must-try if you’re visiting Vicenza.
Want to take some day trips from Vicenza? You can easily get by public transport to Verona, Padova, and Bassano del Grappa! You can also take an Italian road trip through the region of Veneto.
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*The majority of this post was written by Jade Laurenza. The uncaptioned photos in this post belong to Jade Laurenza.
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