Situated between Milan and Venice, the cosmopolitan city of Vicenza can sometimes be overlooked in favor of its more popular neighbors.
A center for art in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, Vicenza is rife with elegant piazzas, villas, churches, museums, and art galleries. The Palladian Villas, established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, are arguably the city’s most famous inhabitants. Aside from its evident cultural importance, Vicenza is also Italy’s third largest industrial center making it one of the country’s wealthiest cities. It has established textile, steel, and computer engineering industries with the microprocessor’s co-founder Federico Faggin coming from Vicenza.
The city used to be called Vicetia or Vincentia, a name given by the Romans which means victorious. Before eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, the city came under the rule of Venice, Napoleon, and the Austrian Empire. Vicenza’s area became a major combat site during World War One, and after the second World War the city was the most heavily damaged by Allied bombings in the Veneto region. Staying true to its name, Vicenza rose victorious and rebuilt itself from the rubble. As of 2014, the city has a population of around 113,627.
Italy has a rich culture that is not limited to Rome, Venice, and Milan. This gem of a city is one to visit if you want to delve deeper into Italy’s aristocratic culture outside the major cities. Teeming with elegance and sophistication, the city of Vicenza is truly victorious in more ways than one.
1. Watch performances at the Teatro Olimpico
Built in 1589 to imitate Roman amphitheaters, this elliptical theater still holds some musical and theatrical performances despite its age. Teatro Olimpico was designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio, who died before its completion. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it is one of the only remaining Renaissance theaters in the world.
To avoid damage, the theater can only accommodate around 400 people. It also becomes the venue for the Vicenza Jazz Festival in spring and the Season of Classical Performances in autumn.
2. Visit the amazing Villa Capra
Also known as La Rotonda, this magnificent villa has been visited by artists, poets, statesmen, and many other wonder-seeking travelers. Designed by the city’s famous architect Andrea Palladio, the villa obtained the name Capra after the Capra brothers who completed it in 1592. It was originally commissioned by Paolo Almerico, a Vicenzan priest who retired from the Vatican. Part of the Palladian Villas which obtained UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Villa Capra houses elaborate trompe l'œil frescoes and has even inspired the design of many buildings including the home of former American president Thomas Jefferson.
There is a bus from the city’s train station that takes visitors to Villa Capra. Visitors can also choose from a tour of both the interior and garden or just the exterior of the villa.
3. View exhibitions at the Basilica Palladiana
Another one of Andrea Palladio’s masterpieces is this 15th-century palazzo which once housed law courts and the Council of Four Hundred. One of its most striking features is a copper dome which looks like the hull of an upturned ship. Its porticoes and loggias underwent constant reconstruction until its completion in 1614.
The basilica contains three rooms reserved for exhibitions. It is also the location of the Museo del Gioiello, which contains a collection of historic jewelry.
4. View art at the Palazzo Leoni Montanari
This palace from the late Baroque period is a must-see for art enthusiasts. Aside from a vast collection of ancient pottery, it also contains a collection of 400 Russian icons, numerous paintings, and even elaborate depictions carved into marble.
5. Learn about the city's architectural history at the Palladio Museum
Dedicated to the life and work of Andrea Palladio, this modern museum showcases all that you need to know about the brilliant Vicenzan architect. It contains various historical artifacts including Palladio’s 16th-century Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (Four Books of Architecture). Decked in frescoes, the museum also has architectural models of Palladio’s famed palazzi and villas.
6. Stroll around Corso Andrea Palladio
Lined with many Renaissance-era palaces and mansions, walking through Vicenza’s main street feels like a dream. Aside from architectural masterpieces, visitors will pass by a variety of restaurants and shops perfect for a gastro-tour of the historic city.
7. Admire history at the Chiesa di Santa Corona
This Gothic church built in 1251 houses a variety of paintings and frescoes dating back to the early 15th-century. Truly a historic as well as architectural marvel, it unsurprisingly has something to do with Vicenza’s famous architect. The church, aside from containing the Palladio-designed Valmarana chapel from 1576, is also the final resting place of Andrea Palladio.
Although the church is open for tours, visits are suspended during religious services. The tours provide visitors with a free digital guide accessible via smartphones and tablets.
8. Visit the Palazzo Chiericati
It shouldn’t be surprising that Vicenza has a wealth of palaces that contain vital pieces of history. This Renaissance-era palace, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1550, was only completed at the end of the 17th-century. It was restored and opened as a museum during the 19th-century.
Visitors are treated to a plethora of paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and other pieces of art dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
9. Tour the romantic Villa Valmarana ai Nani
This stunning fairy tale-like villa is both a place you can visit and stay in. Built in 1669, the villa contains 17 stone sculptures of dwarves as well as frescoes depicting scenes from famous Greek and Italian literature. The palace is divided into three parts: the Palazzina (Owners’ Residence), the Foresteria (Guesthouse) and the Scuderia (Stables). There is also a cafe and footpath that leads to La Rotonda, Vicenza’s most famous villa. The gardens and formal reception rooms are open to the public, and sometimes weddings are also held in the estate.
10. Discover the hidden wonders of the Roman Criptoportico
Vicenza has a lot of wonders not limited to the world above. Discovered in 1954, this first century Roman criptoportico is known as the only private criptoportico in northern Italy that has been unearthed so far. It is located six meters (19.68 feet) below ground and contains a three-sided passageway, terracotta flooring, and a medieval well. It also has a heavy door which archaeologists believe once guarded valuable items.
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from : https://wikitopx.com/hotels/top-10-things-to-do-in-vicenza-italy-707396.html
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