Vicenza

Palladio's hometown, where the Teatro Olimpico, Villa La Rotonda and the Basilica are UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Bassano, Marostica and the Asiago Plateau to the north.

Vicenza is in Italy's Veneto region, between Padua and Verona, about 60 km from Venice and 45 minutes to an hour away by train. It is the hometown of Renaissance master architect Andrea Palladio and home to many of his works: "The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto" was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and its twenty-plus Palladian buildings have earned it the nickname "the City of Palladio". There are three main areas to explore. First, the old town: walk along Corso Palladio to link the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati, the Basilica Palladiana and Piazza dei Signori, the Palladio Museum and several churches—a combined museum ticket is good value. Second, Monte Berico on the southern edge of town, with the viewpoint at the sanctuary, Villa La Rotonda and Villa Valmarana ai Nani, all reachable on foot. Third, the surroundings to the north: Bassano del Grappa's old bridge and grappa, Marostica's chessboard square, and the Asiago Plateau and Monte Grappa with their WWI remains; to the east are Asolo, Villa Barbaro at Maser and the Canova plaster cast gallery at Possagno. The best seasons are April–June and September–October, when the weather is pleasant and more villas are open; summers are hot, but you can escape to the cooler Asiago Plateau. Many villas open only at weekends in winter, so check their websites before going. Allow 1–2 days for the old town and about 3 days including the surroundings, which are easiest to reach by car. Local specialities include baccalà alla vicentina (stockfish), Asiago cheese and Bassano white asparagus (in spring).

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Itineraries