This city in the shadow of Venice is filled with UNESCO treasures
Known for the masterpieces of architect Andrea Palladio, Vicenza’s elegant villas, stunning views, and rich history make it well worth the jaunt from Veneto’s more crowded destinations.
About 40 miles from Venice’s winding waterways and busy plazas lies Vicenza, an elegant Renaissance jewel. To visit Vicenza is to breathe in the genius of one of history’s most influential architects, Andrea Palladio.
Though born in nearby Padua, this 16th century architect made his study of classical Greek and Roman architecture central to the design style that later reached throughout Europe and across the Atlantic—a style that inspired Thomas Jefferson to design Monticello after Palladian ideals.
Come for the architecture, but stay to explore a rich tapestry of history and gastronomy. From its museums full of fine art to its stately villas, Vicenza is worth the day trip from Veneto’s more crowded destinations.
Explore Vicenza’s main piazza
Piazza dei Signori is a beautiful starting point. It’s here in the historical center that the city’s heartbeat pulses outward with breathtaking views of Palladian Basilica and the adjacent Torre Bissara. The Basilica—not a church, but rather a town hall—features handsomely as the city’s symbol and is one of its many UNESCO sites. Leisurely stroll through the piazza, found empty in early morning, or drink in the soft evening glow with an aperitivo at any one of the bustling bars lining the piazza.
(Say ciao to these alcohol-free takes on Italian aperitivo classics)
Today, the Basilica’s spacious council hall now serves as the scene of changing exhibits, with admission to the terrace for views of the square. The rooftop bar makes for a magical viewpoint to watch the evening sun set.
Tour Palladio’s final masterpiece
The year 1555 saw the formation of Accademia Olimpica, a group of artists and noblemen who shared an appreciation for the arts and borrowed inspiration from Greek and Roman ideals. Within this group, Palladio proposed the construction of what would become his last work and masterpiece, Teatro Olimpico. This architectural marvel serves as a beautifully preserved reminder of Renaissance ingenuity. Soak in the atmosphere of the world’s oldest covered theater with one of many classical music concerts or jazz performances throughout the year.
(Europe’s city tours are better than ever—here’s where to go)
See fine art at Palazzo Chiericati
A work of art itself, Palazzo Chiericati owes its appearance to Palladio, built at the behest of Vicenza nobleman Girolamo Chiericati. It was completed at the end of the 17th century from Palladio’s own sketches and draws heavily on his study of classical Roman architecture.
Today, it forms a stunning backdrop for the art collection within. A city museum, it contains more than 31,000 works of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Before you exit, wander through the salons for a glimpse of the spectacularly frescoed ceilings on the main floor.
Climb Monte Berico
Challenge your lungs with a walk up the two sets of porticoes that connect the city with the Basilica of St. Mary of Mount Berico. More than just a sanctuary for pilgrims and sacred art, Monte Berico’s hilltop features sweeping views of Vicenza on a clear day, best enjoyed from Ai Sette Santi’s outdoor terrace.
Tour Villa La Rotonda
Villa la Rotonda exists today as the celebrated union of grace and geometry, prominently located on a hilltop position at Vicenza’s edge. Visitors to this Renaissance home enjoy the abundance of clean lines, pure, unfiltered sunlight, and magnificent symmetry that justifies its designation as a UNESCO Heritage Site. One of 24 total Palladian villas in the Veneto, this estate provides an exemplary balance between agrarian function and self-glorification. Its public portion can be accessed with tickets for self-paced tours or with a private guide at various times throughout the year.
Where to eat and drink
Caffe Pigafetta is named for Antonio Pigafetta, a lesser-known, but still famous, Vicenza local. This 16th-century navigator left his mark as the keeper of explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s travel log, and his namesake cafe is the perfect spot to sit and jot down a few travel notes of your own. You’ll need to squeeze through the cafe’s jostling and cozy interior; a testament to Pigafetta’s popularity among the locals. Order a shot of one of their artisanal coffee blends or try a velvety smooth mint or pistachio latte.
Vicenza supplies not only a wealth of splendid art and architecture, but also a rich gastronomy scene. There’s no better way to end a day of sightseeing than by having dinner at Angolo Palladio. Sit outside in the shadow of the Basilica or tuck into a cozy table indoors. Dine on upscale takes on Veneto specialties: Start with cured ham from Veneto Berico Euganeo and move onto bigoli with duck ragu. The star of Vicenza’s cuisine is cod with polenta for a main course, expertly paired with one of many artisanal wines.
(Explore the wilder side of Venice—with the help of its fishermen)
Where to shop
Vicenza shares notoriety not only with Palladio’s architectural prowess, but also a long tradition of gold work. Roughly a third of Italy’s gold work comes from “the city of gold,” a history and craftsmanship you can learn more about with a brief visit to the Jewelry Museum, located just under the Basilica’s archways. Next, shop for a glittering souvenir to purchase from the family-owned jewelers next door, right where the city’s first guild of goldsmiths was founded in 1333.
How to get to Vicenza
Hop a train from Venice’s Santa Lucia train station direct to Vicenza’s only rail stop. You can book your roughly 45-minute journey on Trenitalia or Trainline apps. Once there, it's a 10-minute walk to Vicenza’s compact city center.
