THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vicenza - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
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Things to Do in Vicenza

Things to Do in Vicenza, Italy - Vicenza Attractions

Things to Do in Vicenza

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1. Teatro Olimpico
5.0 of 5 bubbles2,966
Theaters
Andrea Palladio’s last work and masterpiece, the Olympic Theatre was commissioned in February 1580 by the Accademia Olimpica, a society of mixed social classes founded in Vicenza in 1555 for cultural and scientific purposes and to which Palladio himself belonged. Construction began in May 1580, but Palladio died suddenly on 19 August of that year so did not see its completion. After various, complex delays, the theatre was completed five years later and opened on 3 March 1585 with the memorable staging of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus. The theatre is reached by way of the odeon and anti-odeon, two large rooms designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and decorated respectively with frescoes by Francesco Maffei portraying divinities and allegorical figures (c. 1637) and a monochrome frieze of considerable documentary interest (c. 1595). This depicts theatrical productions presented by the Accademia before construction of the Olimpic Theatre (Amor costante, Sophonisba) and shows or events held in the new theatre (Oedipus the King, the diplomatic mission of Japanese envoys). Palladio designed a monumental scenae frons within an enclosed space intended to simulate classical theatres in the open air. It is flanked by two wings or stage doors and a semi-elliptical cavea with thirteen tiers, ending in a columned exedra at the top, partly open and partly with niches in the wall. Statues of the academicians who commissioned the theatre, dressed in classical costume, occupy the niches and plinths of the structure. A series of splendid bas reliefs showing stories of Hercules by Ruggero Bascape occupies the highest row. Wooden perspective scenery of the streets of Thebes runs back from the three openings in the scenea frons. This was designed by Scamozzi for the opening performance of Oedipus Tyrannus and has remained as a permanent feature
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2. Basilica Palladiana
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Historic Sites
The Palladian Basilica is a public building facing onto the Piazza dei Signori. Its name is linked to Andrea Palladio, who redesigned it, adding the famous loggias with serliana openings in white marble to the existing Gothic building. The building on which Palladio worked was the Palazzo della Ragione, built in Gothic style in the mid-fifteenth century. The upper floor is entirely taken up by an enormous hall with no intermediate supports, where the Council of the Four Hundred met. The copper-lined, inverted ship’s-hull roof was inspired by that of the Palazzo della Ragione in Padua. The Gothic facade was originally clad with diamonds of red and straw yellow Verona marble, which are still visible behind Palladio’s addition. A loggia surrounding the building was commissioned after its completion, but continually delayed due to various structural difficulties and the nature of the ground beneath. At the beginning of the sixteenth century the double order of porticoes and loggias, though not complete, collapsed. The Council called on many leading architects of the time to resolve the difficult problem of its reconstruction. They included Jacopo Sansovino, Sebastiano Serlio and Giulio Romano. The project was awarded to Andrea Palladio (1508-80) in 1549, following a competition, and he worked on it for the rest of his life. It was completed posthumously in 1614. The reconstructed building was called a basilica by Palladio himself, who had been inspired by the model of the Roman basilica for civic use. The building has three independent exhibition spaces that are used to host architecture and art exhibitions of international renown.
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7. Museo Civico di Palazzo Chiericati
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Architectural Buildings
The Palazzo Chiericati has been the historic home of the Civic Museum since 1855 and now houses the city's collections of paintings, sculptures and applied arts from the thirteenth to the twentieth centuries. A masterpiece of Palladio's early maturity (1550), the building not only has decorations from that period but also holds important documents on Vicenza's art history. The Museum of Palazzo Chiericati reopened the Palladian wing on December 2013, after the restoration works. On the main floor, the visitor can enjoy the works of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, contemporary to the construction of the building. The attic hosts the Bequest of Marquis Giuseppe Roi: his personal collection of paintings, drawings and engravings from the fifteenth to the twentieth century, set in a charming display of house-museum. On the ground floor the visitor can admire, in a temporary exhibition, a selection of masterpieces of the collection not currently on display: Paolo Veneziano, Memling, Montagna, Fogolino, Sansovino, Tintoretto, Maffei and Pittoni. In the basement are located the works donated to the museum by the sculptor Nereo Quagliato.
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9. Chiesa di Santa Corona
4.5 of 5 bubbles524
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Dominican church was built in 1261 to house the relic of the Holy Thorn donated by Louis IX, king of France, to the bishop of Vicenza, the Blessed Bartolomeo da Breganze. The Gothic interior, with chancel by Lorenzo da Bologna from the second half of the fifteenth century, houses many important paintings and sculptural works. These include Giovanni Bellini’s masterpiece “The Baptism of Christ”, in the Garzadori altar, attributed to Rocco da Vicenza, and the “Adoration of the Magi” by Paolo Veronese. There is also a “Madonna of the Stars”, by Lorenzo Veneziano and Marcello Fogolino, a "Magdalen and Saints" by Bartolomeo Montagna and a “Virgin, Child and Saints” by Giambattista Pittoni. The apse is furnished with a fine wooden choir, carved and inlaid by Pier Antonio dell’Abate. The frescoes by Michelino da Besozzo in the Thiene Chapel are among the earliest decorations, dating from the early fifteenth century and offering a mature example of the International Gothic style.
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11. Palladio Museum
4.0 of 5 bubbles298
Speciality Museums
a museum-workshop: this new kind of museum features not only works of art but also the experts who describe them.a museum in movement: having installed the hardware (a system of dynamic lighting for the spaces, video projection systems, showcases, etc), each year the software will change, i.e. the contents, according to the state of progress in studies and research.a marvellous building: one of Palladio's finest palaces and the only one that he saw completed both as regards the architecture and decorations (causing the ruin of the patron, Montano Barbarano).an intellectual challenge: to take specialist knowledge out of the ivory tower and communicate it to a wider public in the museum and on the web.a far from impossible mission: recounting architecture to non-architects, not as a history of buildings but of the people who designed, built and communicated them; and showcasing architectural drawings, the tools that body forth ideas, alongside models, photographs and videos.the beginning of a journey: to explore Palladio's buildings in Vicenza (associated with the Palladio Museum thanks to the combined ticket "Vicenza città bellissima") and his villas in the Veneto countryside.a crossroads: a place where institutions and scholars from various parts of the world work together and present joint projects.
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What travelers are saying

  • Guenther-Karl K
    Prague, Czech Republic27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Palladio masterpiece
    This is one of Europe's oldest post-Roman theatres, built by THE late Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. It is right downtown Vicenza, one of those Northern Italian cities that are a bit underrated as tourist locations. That's not a diadvantage for culture tourists as there are no crowds. The theatre is now a museum, but sometimes they have various shows. The backdrops are a fixed 3D installation dating from the time of the erection of the building, a Renaissance street scenery which is as worth seeing as the theatre itself. An almost unique jewel.
    Review of: Teatro Olimpico
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Guenther-Karl K
    Prague, Czech Republic27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of Palladio's early masterpieces
    The Basilica Palladiana, formerly a kind of high law court, is one of the main sights in downtown Vicenza, one of the slightly underrated northern Italian cities - gladly, as there are less crowds than elsewhere. The building is one of Palladio's early masterpieces, whose task was to rebuild the leftovers of two former gothic structures that had crumbled at the end of the 15th century. Several proposals of architects famous at the time like Sansovino or Julio Romano were refused, and the relatively unknown young Andrea della Gondola, later known as Palladio, got the commission and started in 1549. It shows some "classical" elements like the order of Doric / Ionic capitals but then Palladio's typical late Renaissance facade. The large hall on the upper floor has temporal exhibitions. The interior still has it's pre-Renaissance features, the roof construction is stunning.
    Review of: Basilica Palladiana
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Catherine G
    Nice, France1,267 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic view
    We visited this monument. Inside there are paintings. But what is most beautiful is the view from the terrace on the place.
    From the roof top the view is even better because we can see the town on 360 degrees.
    Review of: Piazza dei Signori
    Written September 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RASTKO R KOZLEVCAR
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Paradise for Tiepolo lovers
    Beautiful villa in the outskirts of Vicenza with magnificent frescoes of Tiepolo father and son; lovely garden with petrified dwarfs once upon a time according to legend; nice 30 minutes stroll from the center of Vicenza on the sunny spring day.
    Review of: Villa Valmarana ai Nani
    Written May 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, OH3,657 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hilltop Basilica with a View of Vicenza
    This beautiful Basilica is situated very close to the historical center of Vicenza. Situated at the top of a hill over looking the city, the entire complex (Basilica, cloister, terrazza overlooking Vicenza and the surrounding garden, museums and view are worth the trip.

    Beautiful stonework on the inside and carved statues of martyred saints on the outside make this holy site unique.

    While outside, take time to enjoy the view of Vicenza from the walkway around the carpark across the street of a walk through the park across the street.
    Review of: Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico
    Written May 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • the_crime_dog
    Vrhnika, Slovenia86 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Photos of the interior are now allowed
    A lot of older reviews were complaining about the strict "no photo" policy of the villa. Well, photos of the interior are now allowed, as long as you don't use the flash.

    A lot of people are also complaining about missing out on the interior because of the limited opening hours. Well, as beautiful as the frescoed rooms are, I still think it's the impeccable exterior of the house and its position in the countryside that are its main attraction, so the villa is definitely worth a visit even if you find yourself in Vicenza on one of those days when only the garden is opened to the visitors.
    Review of: Villa La Rotonda by Andrea Palladio - World Heritage Site
    Written August 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Uday T
    London, UK1,976 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very interesting gallery
    We had sat outside the building and we thought it was a glorified civic office. We visited it on teh second day having found out it was a gallery
    A lot to see between 2 wings and 2 floors
    As ever some of the displays are wonderful, some not so interesting, but overall a really great place to visit
    Review of: Museo Civico di Palazzo Chiericati
    Written August 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda D
    San Francisco, CA188 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extraordinary Museum Experience
    When you’re visiting Vicenza’s Palladian architecture take advantage of the multi-entry ticket to also visit Palazzo Leoni Montanari.
    This 17th century building is filled with paintings, sculptures, religious icons and rooms themselves are ornately decorated in the baroque style in the ceilings, walls and doorways.
    What was really remarkable and heartening was that several paintings were accompanied by a 3-D version so that visitors unable to see can also enjoy these beautiful works. Why all museums worldwide aren’t doing this is a shame.
    In one of the last rooms is the extraordinary 18th century marble sculpture “La caduta degli angeli ribelli” (The fall of the rebel angels), by Francesco Bertos. The nearly 2 meter high masterpiece was sculpted from a single block of Carrera marble and was previously credited to another artist. Do not miss a visit to the Palazzo.
    Review of: Gallerie di Palazzo Leoni Montanari
    Written November 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Uday T
    London, UK1,976 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hidden gem
    An unassuming building just off the centre. The brick facade hides the fact that the interior is wonderful. Really worth going for a quick look around
    Review of: Chiesa di Santa Corona
    Written August 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roland B
    Zurich, Switzerland1,848 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    vivid wildlife
    no big thing as a park, but some vivid wildlife with beavers in the pond, plenty of ducks, big carps swimming etc.
    Review of: Parco Querini
    Written October 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zvisaar
    Haifa, Israel70 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    interesting place
    one of the most interesting museum in Vicenza about all the life and work of palladio. there are so many interesting details about is work and personality its a must in Vicenza.
    Review of: Palladio Museum
    Written July 4, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colin D
    West Drayton, UK906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very impressive both inside and out.
    The nicest church that we saw on our trip to Vicenza. Though it is brick built (or at least brick clad on the outside) rather than made of stone it is very impressive both inside and out.

    Lots of wonderful paintings on the inside and various other statues and the line. To me it is more impressive that the Cathedral, hence if you only have time to visit one, visit this one.

    Lots of history inside and free to visit/wander around. You can take pictures inside if that is your thing.
    Review of: Chiesa di San Lorenzo
    Written March 4, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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