Discover 15 Best Things to Do in Vicenza

15 Best Things to Do in Vicenza

Vicenza, famous for the villas designed by Andrea Palladio, is a fantastic city located in the northern regions of Italy, between Venice and Verona. As part of the country’s Veneto region, Vicenza boasts a long history and combines its ancient past with its modern, cosmopolitan outlook and thriving economy to create a city that holds the third-largest industrial sector in Italy.

Originally settled by the Euganei tribe, Vicenza was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 157 BC, but was subsequently devastated by various tribes in the following years. Later, during the Middle Ages, the city joined the Lombard League and was involved in numerous battles and sieges against the Holy Roman Emperors. In modern history, the city was rebuilt after the devastation suffered during the Second World War, with industry becoming the primary economic driving force. For the keen tourist, Vicenza has a huge amount of attractions to offer.

Due to its vast history and affiliation with various ruling empires, Vicenza boasts a host of beautiful historic structures such as the Basilica Palladiana, alongside well-kept public parks like Parco Querini. It also enjoys an excellent location and is easily accessible from both Venice and Verona, two wonderful cities in their own right.

Let’s explore the 15 best things to do in Vicenza:

1. Basilica Palladiana

Basilica Palladiana

This historic building is one of Vicenza’s icons and takes pride of place in the centre of the popular Piazza dei Signori.

Built in the 15th century, this is one of the earliest examples of a Renaissance structure to feature the Palladian window design: the loggia of the Basilica features a series of ornate arches running along both sides that create a visually striking building.

Walking through the open arches gives you the opportunity to admire the architecture up close.

Inside the first floor of the basilica lies a huge open hall with a high, vaulted wooden ceiling and many arched windows.

This structure is truly impressive and stands as a jewel in the centre of Vicenza.

2. Teatro Olimpico

Teatro Olimpico

Vicenza shares a special connection with the famous architect Palladio, and the Teatro Olimpico is another of his magnificent creations.

This theatre is unlike any other you will see, with an interior constructed entirely from stone, plaster and wood.

The stage is simply marvellous and resembles a palace more than a performance venue: stone statues, arches and intricate plasterwork adorn the facade.

The original stage sets are still present today behind the main facade, creating the illusion of immense depth – as you look through the arches, it appears as though multiple streets extend far behind the structure.

3. La Rotonda

La Rotonda

Set within an elaborate and beautiful park, you wouldn’t think this structure was originally intended as the home for a retired Vatican priest.

La Rotonda is situated south of Vicenza, roughly 15 minutes from the city centre, and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city.

What makes this building so special is its incredible design and symmetry: each of the four sides of the house features a porch that resembles the Pantheon in Rome, accessed by a flight of steps.

Inside the building, you will find a series of lavishly decorated rooms complete with beautiful frescoes and ornate plasterwork.

4. Palladio Museum

Source: flickr

Palladio Museum

Located within the same complex and square as the Basilica Palladiana, the Palladio Museum is a must-see attraction to pair with the basilica itself.

Inside this museum is a fantastic collection of artefacts and memorabilia relating to the basilica, along with informative and detailed displays on its history and construction.

Here you can learn about the significance of the building as well as its famous architect, Andrea Palladio.

5. Villa Valmarana

Villa Valmarana

Situated in close proximity to Villa La Rotonda, Villa Valmarana is a similar structure built during the same period.

A footpath connects the two villas, and it is highly recommended to visit both while in this area of Vicenza.

Known locally as “Ai Nani” (due to the dwarf statues on the villa’s walls), this complex boasts stunning gardens filled with floral arrangements and manicured lawns.

Inside the villa itself is a series of well-preserved rooms featuring splendid Renaissance artwork by Giambattista Tiepolo.

6. Corso Andrea Palladio

Corso Andrea Palladio

Corso Andrea Palladio pays tribute to the famous architect and designer, serving as one of the main thoroughfares in the historic city centre.

Along this street, you can find various grand townhouses and structures, several of which were designed by Palladio himself.

Notable buildings include Palazzo del Comune, Palazzo Da Schio, Palazzo Bonin, and Palazzo Zileri Dal Verme.

While the whole area is packed with beautiful architecture, the street also features a great selection of shops and restaurants, making it one of the old town’s main shopping districts.

7. Museo Civico di Vicenza

Museo Civico di Vicenza

At the eastern end of Corso Andrea Palladio lies the stunning Palazzo Chiericati.

This structure features a magnificent front facade adorned with marble columns and crowned with various statues.

While beautiful in its own right, the main attraction lies inside the building: the Museo Civico (Town Museum).

Vicenza’s Museo Civico holds an extensive collection of artefacts, archaeological finds and artwork from the city and the surrounding region, offering deep insights into the history of Vicenza.

It also includes a selection of fine art by renowned Venetian artists such as Carpaccio, Tiepolo, and Veronese.

8. Chiesa di Santa Corona

Chiesa di Santa Corona

Located in the historic heart of Vicenza’s old town, this church was partially designed by the legendary Palladio, who was originally buried here.

Built in the Gothic style during the 13th century, the church features brick towers, chapels, and a striking front facade.

Although the exterior is relatively understated, the interior has much more to offer, including the Valmarana Chapel, which is attributed to Palladio.

Additionally, there is a remarkable series of artworks and frescoes depicting religious scenes, such as the Adoration of the Magi and the Baptism of Christ.

9. Santuario di Monte Berico

Santuario di Monte Berico

To the south of Vicenza, the hills rise towards Monte Berico, where Piazza della Vittoria offers panoramic views over the city.

Behind this wonderful viewing platform stands the Basilica di Monte Berico, built in the 17th century.

The current design of the church is inspired by La Rotonda and features four symmetrical walls adorned with various statues and ornate artwork.

Inside the church, you will find a series of beautiful paintings, including The Supper of St Gregory the Great, the Pietà, and Virgin with the Four Evangelists.

To return to the city, it is well worth walking through the immense 800-metre covered portico arcade that extends from the front of the church down to the main railway station.

10. Parco Querini

Parco Querini

In the northern part of the old town lies Parco Querini – this expansive public park is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the fine Italian weather.

At the centre of the park is a large circular pond containing a central island and a charming summerhouse, accessible via a footbridge over the water.

Besides its water features, the park contains several wooded areas with winding footpaths, alongside manicured lawns perfect for ball games or sunbathing.

11. Duomo di Vicenza

Duomo di Vicenza

Located just a 2-minute walk from Piazza dei Signori, the Duomo is one of the most important churches in the city and an impressive structure in its own right.

The front facade of this cathedral stands out, creating a striking contrast with the sides and rear of the building.

Although simple in design, the arches and patterned red-and-white marble work look remarkably elegant, framing the church perfectly.

An interesting fact is that the church is actually built upon the remains of three older religious structures, and everything except the front facade was rebuilt following damage sustained during the Second World War.

12. Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza

Piazza dei Signori is the main square in Vicenza’s historic centre and serves as one of the city’s main focal points.

This beautiful square is packed with stunning architecture and regularly hosts markets where you can mingle with locals and hunt for a bargain.

Dominating the square are the impressive Basilica Palladiana and its bell tower; other notable buildings lining the piazza include the Loggia del Capitaniato and the Church of San Michele, known as “dei Servi”.

Beyond the architecture, there is also a selection of outdoor cafes and restaurants where you can sit back and watch the world go by.

13. Torre Bissara

Torre Bissara

Although attached to the Basilica Palladiana, this structure is a fantastic attraction in its own right and has a rich history.

Standing at 82 metres tall, it is by far the tallest building in Vicenza, towering over the other structures in the historic centre.

Built in the 12th century, the tower has remained in its current form ever since and holds great historical significance for the city.

On one face sits a beautiful, ornate clock with a striking blue dial, while the top is crowned with a bronze dome and weather vane.

You can view the tower up close from the outdoor terrace at the top of the Basilica, though unfortunately, it is not possible to climb to the top of the tower itself.

14. Ponte San Michele

Ponte San Michele

Thanks to its riverside setting, Vicenza features a series of bridges crossing the water, allowing pedestrians and traffic to move freely around the city.

One of the most picturesque bridges is Ponte San Michele.

Located just a short walk from Piazza dei Signori, it is worth crossing on foot, but equally lovely to view from the neighbouring Ponte San Paolo.

What makes this bridge so attractive is its setting: terracotta-roofed buildings frame the view, while the clear waters and lush green plants, trees and flowers add vibrant colour and contrast.

It is the perfect spot for taking postcard-worthy photos.

15. Take a Day Trip to Verona

Verona

Vicenza benefits from close transport links to both Venice and Verona, both of which are major tourist destinations in their own right.

Verona lies roughly 30 minutes west of Vicenza, with regular train and bus connections running between the two cities.

Once you have explored Vicenza, a day trip to Verona allows you to experience a different side of northern Italy.

The city is famous for its historical architecture, including sites such as the Roman Arena, the Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero), and Piazza delle Erbe.

It also boasts a wealth of stunning churches alongside the iconic balcony that inspired the famous scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.