Discovering northern Italy? Don’t miss Vicenza, a city with an incomparable architectural heritage.
In north-east Italy, not far from Venice, the small town of Vicenza is a pleasant stopover on the road to the Serenissima.
It is home to numerous monuments and churches, many of which were designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio. Palladio left his mark on the city, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting Vicenza also means discovering the gastronomy of the Veneto region and immersing yourself in its history. To help you plan your stay, we’ve put together a list of must-see things to do in Vicenza.
1. The Olympic Theatre
The Olympic Theatre is the last architectural masterpiece designed by Palladio. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is considered to be the oldest covered theater in the world. Construction began in 1580, the year of Palladio’s death, and it was inaugurated in 1585.
You’ll be dazzled by its Baroque-style interior and the trompe-l’œil work used by the architects. The space behind the stage, just a few meters deep, seems to sink into the depths of the building.
In addition to this impressive optical illusion, you’ll admire the painted wooden decorations and the ceiling, which reproduces the sky of an open-air theater. Shows are still performed here, particularly in spring and autumn. If you’d like to attend, remember to book in advance, as capacity is limited to 400 people to preserve the building.
2. Palazzo Chiericati
Another of Palladio’s masterpieces, the Palazzo Chiericati was built in 1550 as the residence of Count Girolamo Chiericati. It’s a building in the purest Renaissance style, with an impressive façade featuring three loggias, in the manner of Palladio’s villas.
The palace is home to the Vicenza City Museum, with an important collection of paintings, sculptures and applied arts dating from the 13th to the 20th century. Here you can admire works by Tintoretto, Veronese, Bassano and many other great masters of Italian painting.
3. Piazza dei Signori
A visit to Vicenza will inevitably lead you to the Piazza dei Signori. Literally « Piazza dei Signori », it lies at the heart of the old town. Originally, it was the site of the Roman forum and market. Today, it’s a pleasant place to stroll, home to some of Vicenza’s top attractions.
Rectangular in shape, it is bordered by the Palladian Basilica and Torre Bissara to the south, and the Church of San Vincenzo and Loggia del Capitano to the north. And don’t miss the two Corinthian columns surmounted by the Lion of St. Mark and Christ the Redeemer.
After visiting all the sights in Vicenza, sit back and enjoy a drink and antipasti on the terrace. The Italian dolce vita!
4. The Naturalist-Archeological Museum
Installed since 1991 in the Santa Corona cloister complex, this museum is divided into 2 sections. In the first, you’ll discover the flora and fauna endemic to the area, particularly those of the Berici hills on the outskirts of the city.
The tour continues in the archaeology section, which traces the history of settlement in the region since the Paleolithic period. Bronze tools, vases and votive plaques are on display. More recent history is represented by mosaics and frescoes found during excavations. A great way to learn about Vicenza.
5. The Italian galleries of Palazzo Montanari
This late Baroque palace houses the art collections of the Intesa Sanpaolo bank. Here you’ll discover a collection of Russian icons, one of Magno-Greek vases and another of 18th-century Venetian art.
One of the museum’s highlights is Agostino Fasolato’s The Fall of the Rebel Angels. Sixty figures are carved from a single block of Carrara marble.
6. Querini Park
Vicenza’s green lung, Parco Querini is a haven of peace for joggers, tourists and locals alike. In the middle of the park, a neoclassical temple dating from 120 is surrounded by a small pond frequented by ducks. Parco Querini is perfect for a short break between museums when visiting Vicenza.
7. Salvi garden
Just 500 meters from the station, the Salvi Garden is a great place to start your visit to Vicenza. Here you can admire the Unesco-listed Loggia Valmarana, built by Palladio or one of his pupils.
The Seriola River runs through the middle of the park, making it a bucolic spot perfect for a stroll with the family or a romantic getaway.
8. The Palladio Museum
Inside the magnificent Palazzo Barbarano, a World Heritage Site, you’ll discover in detail the life of the city’s most famous architect. The Palladio Museum tells the story of the Italian genius, through models of his buildings, portraits, drawings and notes.
We invite you to take a journey back in time, to meet the artist and his innermost nature.
9. Diocesan museum
This museum tells the story of the Vicentine church. Through its 11 rooms, you’ll pass from paleo-Christian archaeological finds to goldsmiths of recent centuries, via sacred objects and vestments. A chance to see Vicenza from a different angle.
10. Ponte San Michele
For a romantic stroll in Vicenza, head for the San Michele bridge. It spans the Retrone river, in a quiet, leafy area. Nearby, you’ll find many typical restaurants where you can sample the region’s culinary specialties.
11. Places of worship
Santa Corona church
This church is home to many treasures, including Palladio’s Valmarana chapel, Bellini’s The Baptism of Christ, and works by Veronese, Pittoni and Montagna.
Santa Maria Annunciata Cathedral
The Piazza del Duomo is Vicenza’s main place of worship. Its dome was probably designed by Andrea Palladio, as was the north portal. The building was destroyed during the Second World War. Only the façade and campanile survived the bombardments.
You’ll be impressed by the monumental nave, which opens onto several side chapels, and the choir with its polychrome marble altarpiece.
The Palladian Basilica
In the Piazza dei Signori, this is a must-see monument if you’re visiting Vicenza. Considered one of Andrea Palladio’s masterpieces, the building was completed in 1614, 34 years after his death.
It features magnificent white marble loggias. These were added by the architect to an earlier Gothic building. Today, it hosts a variety of exhibitions in 3 independent cultural spaces. Nearby, don’t miss the 82-metre-high Torre Bissara.
The Basilica of Monte Berico
As well as boasting numerous works of art within its walls, the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Berico offers a breathtaking view of the city. Perched on a hill, access is via a staircase leading to the church’s main entrance.
Its façade is adorned with sculptures and statues of angels, while its interior contains a multitude of treasures. These include works by Maganza and Veronese, as well as a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary.
Also worth seeing and doing in Vincence
- The Buso della Rana cave
- Wine tasting
- Palladian villas (Godi, Rotonda, Valmarana…)
How do I get to Vicenza?
By car
Located in the north-east of Italy, Vicenza has excellent road links. It can be reached from Venice, to the east, in less than 1 hour via the A57/E70 freeway.
From France, you’ll first reach Milan. Then, allow 2h30 via the A51, then the E4 and finally the E70. Stop off at Bergamo and majestic Lake Garda. From the south, head for Bologna, then follow the A13 and A31 for 2 hours.
By train
Italy’s rail network is also highly developed. From Bologna, it takes 1h30, and from Milan, Vicenza takes 1h40. From Venice, the train takes just 45 minutes, with departures every 40 minutes.
By plane
There is no airport in Vicenza. The nearest isVenice airport, which you can easily reach from anywhere in Europe. From there, you can reach Vicenza by train or bus.
To find the best prices, we recommend you use the Skyscanner flight comparison service.
Where to stay in Vicenza
To make the most of your stay in Vicenza, we recommend that you look for accommodation in the city center, close to the main attractions. By using a hotel comparator, you’ll easily find offers in all price ranges.
For more independence, turn to Airbnb accommodation.
Hotels and accommodation map – Veneto