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Vicenza: architectural jewel and birthplace of many Italians in Brazil

Vicenza, in the heart of the Veneto region, is an architectural jewel for history lovers and descendants.

Vicenza
Vicenza: Birthplace of Palladio and many Italians in Brazil | Photo: Depositphotos

Vicenza, located in the Veneto region in northeastern Italy, is a destination that cannot be missed by those who have a passion for architecture and history.

The city is home to some of the most iconic works by famous Renaissance architect Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, better known as Andrea Palladio.

Although he was born in Padua in 1524, it was in Vicenza that he stood out and gained renown.

What to do in Vicenza

Vicenza's main attraction is, without a doubt, Palladio's magnificent creations. Both the city of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of Veneto, where his works can be found, were awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the sweeping influence of his work.

Villa Capra, known as La Rotonda, Palladio's most famous construction | Photo: Gianluca Rizzetto
Villa Capra, known as La Rotonda, Palladio's most famous construction | Photo: Gianluca Rizzetto

The Rotunda, designed by Palladio, is one of Vicenza's best-known jewels. This 15th century building, which originally adopted a Gothic style, underwent a transformation in the hands of the architect. Today, it is revered by the famous “palladian window” that characterizes its architecture.

If you are an architecture enthusiast, we highly recommend taking a tour that takes in the main attractions, such as the Villa Rotonda.

A little history and curiosities

Vicenza had its destiny intertwined with Veneza, its ruler from the beginning of the 15th century until the end of the 18th century. This unique legacy is reflected in the city's architecture, where Palladio's works, influenced by classical Roman architecture, harmoniously intertwine with Venetian Gothic architecture.

Andrea Palladio
Statue of Andrea Palladio in Vicenza | Photo: Depositphotos

Located between Venice and Verona, Vicenza is easily accessible from both cities, either by car or train.

With dozens of splendid buildings, streets perfect for walking and a relaxing atmosphere, Vicenza captivates visitors as they explore the city.

Some of the best things to do in Vicenza

1. Visit the Palladian Basilica: Located in the main square of Vicenza, Palladian Basilica It is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. With its distinctive blue roof (see the first photo in the article) and majestic facade, the Basilica Palladiana should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Vicenza.

Beautiful street in the historic center of Vicenza | Photo: Depositphotos

2. Admire the Olympic Theater: Known as Palladio's last work, the Teatro Olimpico is one of Vicenza's most visited historical attractions. Built at the end of the 16th century, after Palladio's death, the theater still presents shows today and is one of only three Renaissance theaters still standing.

3. Walk around Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza's main square: Piazza dei Signori is stunning and impressive, lined with beautiful buildings, cafes and restaurants. A great place to people watch or relax with a drink.

The Palladiana Basilica in Piazza Signiori in Vicenza
Street in the historic center of Vicenza, with the Bissara Tower in the background | Photo: Depositphotos

4. Raise your eyes to the Bissara Tower: The medieval Bissara Tower, which rises to almost 85 meters high, stands in Piazza dei Signori, next to the Palladiana Basilica. The slender tower is one of the tallest structures in the city.

5. Visit the Palladio Museum: Located in the beautiful Palazzo Barbarano, the museum offers a deeper insight into the life and work of architect Andrea Palladio.

6. Stroll through the historic center of Vicenza: The historic center of Vicenza is home to 23 buildings designed by Palladio, making it ideal for a pleasant stroll through the narrow streets and colorful facades.

How to get to Vicenza

Vicenza is easily accessible from Venice, Milan or Verona, either by car or train. To get around Vicenza, the city is compact and can be explored on foot. Additionally, the city offers a wide variety of accommodation and dining options that will satisfy all types of travelers.

Renaissance buildings in Piazza Signiori in Vicenza | Photo: Depositphotos
Renaissance buildings in Piazza Signiori in Vicenza | Photo: Depositphotos

Illustrious people of Vicenza

Vicenza has a rich history and is the birthplace of several notable personalities, including:

  • Amy Adams: the famous actress was born in 1974, in Vicenza. Her father was an American military man and worked at Caserma Ederle, a military complex in Vicenza, where the United States Army has troops.
  • Antonio Pigafetta: born in Vicenza in the 1480s, he wrote the report on the “first trip around the world”, considered one of the most precious documents of the great geographical discoveries.

Typical plate

A typical Vicenza dish is “Baccala alla Vicentina“, in Portuguese: Bacalhau à Vicentina, which consists of cod cooked in a sauce made from onions, olive oil, breadcrumbs and milk. This delicacy reflects the local culinary tradition and is a delight that you cannot miss.

Baccalà alla Vicentina is the province's signature dish | Photo: Depositphotos
Baccalà alla Vicentina is the province's signature dish | Photograph: Depositphotos

Cities in the province of Vicenza

A province of Vicenza has 114 cities, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Among these cities, some stand out as popular tourist destinations.

Here are some of the most touristic cities in the province of Vicenza:

1. Bassano del Grappa: Known for its famous wooden bridge, the Ponte degli Alpini, which crosses the River Brenta, and is also famous for the production of grappa, an Italian brandy.

Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa is famous for its grappa production | Photo: Depositphotos

2. Marostica: Famous for its outdoor chessboard, where a historical representation of the game of human chess takes place, and for its well-preserved medieval walls.

Marostica, a charming medieval town, known as the city of chess | Photo: Depositphotos
Marostica, a charming medieval town, known as the city of chess | Photo: Depositphotos

3. Schio: A city with a rich history, known for its industrial heritage and the Schio Silk Museum.

Here is the complete list of cities in the province of Vicenza, sorted alphabetically, along with their resident populations:

As 114 cities in the province of Vicenza


CommonPopulation
resident
   1.Agugliaro1.394
   2.Albettone1.964
   3.Alonte1.580
   4.Altavilla Vicentina11.868
   5.Most High2.133
   6.arcugnano7.674
   7.Arsiero3.021
   8.arzignano25.280
   9.Asiago6.285
 10.Asigliano Veneto833
 11.Barbarano Mossano6.161
 12.Bassano del Grappa42.395
 13.Bolzano Vicentino6.496
 14.breganze8.352
 15.Brentwood6.671
 16.Bressanvido3.149
 17.Brogliano4.004
 18.Caldogno11.297
 19.Caltrano2.497
 20.Calvene1.280
 21.Camisano Vicentino11.124
 22.Campiglia dei Berici1.663
 23.Carre3.504
 24.Cartigliano3.666
 25.Cassola15.125
 26.Castegnero2.831
 27.Castelgomberto6.127
 28.Chiampo12.531
 29.Chiuppano2.528
 30.Cogollo del Cengio3.115
 31.Colceresa5.901
 32.Cornedo Vicentino11.678
 33.Costabissara7.647
 34.Creazzo11.160
 35.Crespadoro1.260
 36.Dueville13.576
 37.Enego1.528
 38.Fara Vicentino3.700
 39.Foza653
 40.Gallium2.345
 41.gambellara3.426
 42.Gambugliano847
 43.Grisignano di Zocco4.297
 44.Grumolo of Abbesses3.830
 45.Island Vicenza10.228
 46.Lakes125
 47.Lastebasse195
 48.Longwood5.499
 49.Lonigo15.847
 50.Lugo di Vicenza3.560
 51.Lusiana Conco4.544
 52.Malo14.654
 53.Marano Vicentino9.285
 54.Marostica13.940
 55.Monte di Malo2.803
 56.Montebello6.321
 57.Major montecchio23.351
 58.Montecchio Precalcino4.938
 59.Montegalda3.353
 60.Montegaldella1.791
 61.Monteviale2.792
 62.Monticello Conte Otto9.029
 63.Montorso Vicentino3.029
 64.Mussolent7.577
 65.Nanto3.094
 66.Nogarole Vicentino1.237
 67.Nine4.870
 68.Noventa Vicentina8.952
 69.Orgiano2.997
 70.Pedemonte665
 71.Plains2.169
 72.Arsiero8.257
 73.Poiana Maggiore4.212
 74.Posina568
 75.Pove del Grappa3.177
 76.Pozzoleone2.767
 77.Quinto Vicentino5.832
 78.Recoaro Terme5.965
 79.Roanoke4.154
 80.Romano d'Ezzelino14.170
 81.Rose14.632
 82.Rossano Veneto8.176
 83.Rotzo642
 84.Salcedo1.011
 85.Saint Peter Mussolino1.546
 86.San Vito di Leguzzano3.558
 87.Sandhurst8.271
 88.Santorso5.574
 89.Sarcedo5.299
 90.Sarego6.729
 91.Schiavon2.611
 92.Schio38.580
 93.Solagna1.795
 94.sossano4.134
 95.Sovizzo7.440
 96.The uncertainty of the Brenta12.920
 97.Thiene23.794
 98.Tonezza500
 99.Torrebelvicino5.816
100.Towers Vicentino11.680
101.trissino8.619
102.Val Liona3.072
103.Valbrenta4.835
104.valdagno25.601
105.Valdastico1.156
106.Valli del Pasubio3.055
107.Astico Veil2.224
108.VICENZA109.823
109.Villaga1.890
110.Villaverla6.034
111.Zanè6.603
112.Zermeghedo1.324
113.Zovencedo803
114.Zugliano6.852
The data is from 01/01/2023 and provided by Istat.

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