Things to do in Vicenza

In the heart of Vicenza’s Old Town is the attractive and lively Piazza dei Signori. At this charming city square you can marvel at some of the city’s architectural landmarks. Relax on the outdoor terrace of a café and shop at weekly markets. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, Piazza dei Signori took its current name in the Renaissance years, when the Signoria, the governing body of the Republic of Venice, controlled Vicenza.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of Vicenza is the striking Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico. Visit this baroque-style church to see a wealth of religious art and a sacred icon of the Madonna. Afterwards, relax at one of the nearby cafés and gaze across the rooftops of Vicenza’s city center. The church dates back to the 15th century, when it served to receive pilgrims that arrived to the city.

Take a seat in Andrea Palladio’s extraordinary Olympic Theatre and experience the stage as envisioned by one of Italy’s most famous architects. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed building is one of only three remaining Renaissance theaters and contains one of the world’s oldest surviving stage sets. Admire the theater’s intricately adorned interiors, which feature woodcarvings and stucco that imitates marble.

The Villa Capra detta la Rotonda is one of Vicenza’s many architectural masterpieces by the celebrated Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Come here to marvel at the villa’s symmetrical design, to gaze in awe at frescoes by great Renaissance artists and to enjoy sweeping views of Vicenza’s picturesque countryside. Palladio designed the 500-year-old villa upon the request of Paolo Almerico, a priest that had returned to Vicenza after retiring from the Vatican.

Palazzo Thiene is one of Vicenza’s many architectural gems. Appreciate the work of a revered Venetian architect and join a guided tour to learn about the palace’s rich art collection. Palazzo Thiene dates back to the 15th century and was once the residence of the noble Thiene family. Today, it operates as a banking institution, art museum and cultural center.

In a city blessed with architectural beauty, the Palazzo Chiericati stands out as one of Vicenza’s finest buildings. Marvel at the work of Andrea Palladio, the revered Venetian architect who was responsible for much of Vicenza’s urban landscape. Palladio designed the palace in the late 1500s for the aristocratic Chiericati family. Since 1855, the palace has also been the home of Vicenza’s impressive Civic Art Gallery.