| Introduction | | | | Venetians coveted residences in the quiet |
| Vicenza is situated between Padova and Verona, | | | | countryside as a refuge from Venice, and Palladio |
| in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is known | | | | was able to service this need with the |
| as the city of Palladio. The 16th century architect | | | | construction of his magnificent villas. The Bascilica |
| Palladio, who worked in the city, is one of the | | | | was one of Palladio's first major projects. His |
| most influential architects of all time. It is one of | | | | remit was to improve the old town hall. He |
| the wealthiest cities in Italy. | | | | achieved this by the addition of galleries around |
| Unique Points | | | | the buidling, open on one side supported by |
| Vicenza has one the highest concentrations of | | | | columns, known as loggia. The Palazzo Chiericati |
| historic buildings of any Italian city. The influence | | | | has been used as the civic museum since the |
| of Palladio is significant in the city. His best known | | | | 19th century. It houses an gallery dedicated to |
| works include the Basillica, the Tetro Olimpico, the | | | | Vicentene artists. Teatro Olimpico was Palladio's |
| world's oldest surviving indoor theatre, and the | | | | last project, completed after this death by his son |
| Villa Rotonda. However don't be put off and think | | | | and Scamozzi. Palladio once again sought inspiration |
| that this is just a city for architecture buffs. The | | | | from the classical period when he was |
| city centre is fairly compact and it is a pleasure | | | | commissioned to design a permanent home for |
| just to wander round and soak up the | | | | theatrical performances. The Olimpico is the sole |
| atmosphere. The city is also famous for | | | | suriving Renassiance theatre in the world. It is still |
| goldsmiths who were first referred to in the city | | | | used for performances but only during the |
| statutes in 1339. There are around 1000 local | | | | Summer as there is not heating in the building. T |
| firms producing half of Italy's goldware. | | | | The author and poet Anthony Fogazzaro was |
| History | | | | born in Vicenza. He originally trained and practised |
| The town was declared a Roman municipability in | | | | as a lawyer. His work focused on moral issues |
| 49 BC. It was referred to as the "mainland | | | | and the conflict between reason and faith. His |
| Venice" during Venetian rule between 15th and | | | | best known book is the Patriot published in 1895. |
| 18th century. It was occupied by the French in | | | | The artist Tiepolo painted several frescoes at |
| 1796 and the Austrians in 1797. In the period 1806 | | | | villas near Vicenza. Rich Venetians loved to have |
| - 1813 it became part of the Italian state, then | | | | their villa walls adorned with colourful mythological |
| back to Austria before returning to the fold of a | | | | scenes. The frescoes are unusual in that they |
| unified Italy in 1848. The city was the | | | | were painted during the construction of the villa, |
| headquarters of the First Armed Gaurds in the | | | | rather than as a later addition. |
| First World War. The city was badly damaged by | | | | Where to eat |
| air raids during the Second World War, however it | | | | Baccalla a la Vicentina, dried cod cooked in milk, is |
| has been carefully restored to its former glory. | | | | the best known dish of the region. There is a |
| Getting there | | | | website listing restuarants which serve this |
| Venice Marco Polo, Verona and Treviso are the | | | | speciality on their menu. |
| nearest airports. | | | | If you are looking for a fast cheap meal self |
| Vicenza is on the main rail line from Milan to | | | | service, Righetti (Piazza duomo 3, tel 0444 |
| Venice, so has a frequent train service. | | | | 543135) is close to the cathedral. It is very |
| It is easily accessible from the A4, the main Milan | | | | popular with locals, always a good sign. |
| to Venice motorway. If you come by car, it | | | | The Agli Schioppi is close to the historic centre |
| would be better to find a hotel outside the city | | | | and offers typical Veneto cuisine. |
| centre, as there are traffic restrictions around the | | | | Day trips |
| city centre. | | | | Bassano de Grappo is a lovely small town around |
| What to see | | | | 35 kms north east of Vicenza. |
| VIlla |Rotondo Palladio moved to Vicenza when he | | | | Verona lies approximately 60 kilometres west of |
| was 16. He was taken under the wing of Count | | | | Vicenza. It is easy to reacH Veron by train from |
| Trissino, a great admirer of classical architecture. | | | | Vicenza. |
| Trissimo even changed his protogees name from | | | | Treviso is a beautiful small city lying 50 kilmetres |
| Della Gondola to Palladio in homage to the Greek | | | | west of Vicenza. |
| Goddess of Wisdom, Pallas Athene. Wealthy | | | | |