Vicenza: A Venetian City on the UNESCO List

Vicenza is one of the most intriguing cities in northern Italy, located in the historical region of Veneto. Known as the "City of Palladio," it boasts more than twenty buildings by the famous Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. His works are so significant that the historic center of Vicenza has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, Vicenza is not just about architecture; it is also a city rich in history, culture, gastronomy, and nature. Let's explore what Vicenza offers travelers.

Where is Vicenza Located?

Vicenza is situated in northeastern Italy, at the foot of Monte Berico, where the Bacchiglione River flows. It is about 60 kilometers west of Venice and 200 kilometers east of Milan. Vicenza is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from major Italian cities and airports. You can also enjoy the surrounding landscape via cycling paths or hiking trails.

What is the History of Vicenza?

Vicenza is one of the oldest cities in the Veneto region, with a history dating back to antiquity when it was inhabited by the Euganei and Veneti tribes. It later became part of the Roman Empire under the name Vicetia or Vincentia. During this time, Vicenza was an important commercial and military center, thriving due to its strategic location between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Vicenza experienced barbarian invasions, including those by the Huns, Goths, and Lombards. In the 6th century, it became the seat of a Lombard duchy, and in the 8th century, a Frankish county. During the early Middle Ages, Vicenza gradually gained independence from foreign rule and achieved the status of a free city-state. In the 12th and 13th centuries, it engaged in battles against imperial power and local tyrants such as the Ezzelini and the Scaligeri. This period also saw economic and cultural prosperity, marked by the development of trade, crafts, arts, and architecture.

In the 15th century, Vicenza came under Venetian rule, which ensured peace and stability after years of wars and conflicts. The Venetian government also supported the development of arts and culture in the city, making it home to famous artists like Pisanello, Montagna, and Palladio. Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) is the most significant figure in Vicenza's history, having created a unique cityscape with his buildings. Inspired by ancient architecture, Palladio designed numerous palaces, villas, churches, and public buildings for the wealthy nobles and merchants of Vicenza and its surroundings. His works influenced European architecture and inspired the Palladian style.

In the 18th century, Vicenza fell under Austrian rule along with the rest of Veneto. During this time, the city experienced another cultural flourishing, evident in the development of theater, music, literature, and education. Notable figures of this era include poet Giacomo Zanella, composer Antonio Salieri, and writer Ippolito Nievo.

In the 19th century, Vicenza took part in the struggles for Italian unification against Austria. In 1848, it became a center of the Veneto uprising, and in 1866, it joined the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. This period also saw industrial development, with new factories, railways, and infrastructure. Important institutions such as the university, hospital, and theater were established during this time.

In the 20th century, Vicenza witnessed two world wars, leaving deep marks on the city and its inhabitants. During World War I, the city was subjected to Austrian bombing and became a center of resistance against occupation. During World War II, the city was bombed again by Allied planes and became a scene of Nazi reprisals and partisan fights. After the war, the city quickly recovered and experienced economic and demographic growth. This period also saw the expansion of the city and the creation of new neighborhoods and housing estates.

Today, Vicenza is a modern and dynamic city that preserves its historical and cultural identity. It is an important industrial, commercial, and tourist center known worldwide for its goldsmith tradition and Palladian works. It is also a city with a rich social and cultural life, offering various events, festivals, exhibitions, and performances.

What are the Most Interesting Tourist Attractions in Vicenza?

Vicenza is a city full of beautiful and interesting places worth visiting. Here are some tips on what you shouldn't miss.

Teatro Olimpico is Palladio's last and some say greatest work, completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi after his death in 1584. It is a Renaissance adaptation of ancient theaters, built from wood and stucco. Particularly noteworthy is the illusionistic stage, creating the impression of long streets receding into the distance. The theater is still used for cultural events and festivals.

Basilica Palladiana and Museo Palladiano is a Palladio masterpiece, constructed between 1549 and 1614. It features two floors of open colonnades, with the lower part Doric and the upper part Ionic. The basilica was not built as a church but as a meeting place for the Great Council. In the lower part were luxury shops for nobles from Palladio's time, and you can still find goldsmith shops reflecting Vicenza's fame as a center of goldsmith art. The upper floor houses a 52-meter-long hall with a wooden vaulted roof, used for exhibitions. A marble statue of Palladio stands at the western end of the basilica. Inside the building is the Museo Palladiano, displaying models, designs, and other works of the architect. The upper terrace has a café. Behind the basilica is Piazza delle Erbe, where a farmers' market is held every Thursday morning.

Piazza dei Signori is Vicenza's main square, home to several monuments and historic buildings. Besides the Basilica Palladiana, you will see the Torre Bissara, an 82-meter-high tower from the 12th century, serving as a clock and watchtower. The square also features the Loggia del Capitanio, another Palladio work from 1571, which was the residence of the Venetian governor. The roof of the loggia bears the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice. The square hosts various cultural and social events, such as carnival or Christmas markets.

What are the Significant Festivals or Celebrations in Vicenza?

Vicenza is a city with rich culture and traditions, manifested in various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Here are some examples of what you can experience if you visit Vicenza at a certain time.

May: Each year in May, a week-long jazz festival takes place, attracting many well-known and lesser-known artists from Italy and abroad. The festival occurs in various venues throughout the city, such as theaters, churches, palaces, or squares.

September: On September 8, the city celebrates the feast of its patroness, the Madonna of Monte Berico. The streets are filled with flowers, decorations, and locals in colorful attire. A solemn mass and procession with the statue of the Madonna are held in Piazza dei Signori.

October: At the end of October, the annual chestnut harvest festival, Castagna Fest, is celebrated. You can taste various dishes and drinks made from chestnuts, such as roasted chestnuts, chestnut honey, chestnut beer, or chestnut liqueur. The festival takes place in Fornaci Park and also features music, dance performances, and craft markets.

Where to Eat Well in Vicenza?

Vicenza is a city with excellent gastronomy, reflecting the typical flavors and products of the Veneto region. You can taste traditional dishes such as baccalà alla vicentina (dried and salted cod cooked with onions and milk), bigoli co l’arna (thick pasta with duck sauce), risi e bisi (rice with peas), or polenta e osei (polenta with roasted birds). You can also try local specialties such as sopressa vicentina (smoked pork salami), asiago (hard cheese from cow's milk), or Marostica cherries (sweet cherries grown in the nearby town of Marostica). And of course, don't forget to enjoy the excellent wines from the area, such as prosecco, soave, valpolicella, or amarone.

If you are looking for good bistros or restaurants where you can enjoy these delicacies at a reasonable price, here are some recommendations:

La Proseccheria - Enoteca Veneta is a great place for wine and cheese lovers. You can choose from over 300 types of wine and 100 types of cheese from Italy and abroad. You can also order various platters with cold cuts, salads, pasta, or desserts. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy.

Al Fiume Ristorante is an elegant and modern restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. It offers creative and delicious dishes such as tuna carpaccio with avocado and lime, crab ravioli with saffron, or grilled swordfish with capers and olives. The restaurant also has a beautiful view of the Bacchiglione River.

Il Covo del Ribelle is an original and lively place where you can enjoy Mexican food with an Italian twist. You can choose from various burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or salads, which you can customize according to your preferences. You can also taste some of their homemade sauces or cocktails. The restaurant is decorated in a colorful and cheerful style.

What are Other Interesting Places Around Vicenza?

Vicenza is an ideal starting point for exploring the beauties and experiences offered by the Veneto region. You can take a trip to some of these places, which are easily accessible from Vicenza.

Venice hardly needs an introduction. The city on water is one of the most visited and romantic places in the world. Venice is full of artistic and historical treasures such as St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, or St. Mark's Basilica. You can also take a gondola ride along the canals or visit one of the lagoon islands like Murano, Burano, or Torcello. Venice is about 60 kilometers from Vicenza and can be reached by train in less than an hour.

Padua is an ancient university city with a rich culture and traditions. Padua is known for its Basilica of Saint Anthony, where the relics of this popular saint are kept. You can also admire Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, stroll through Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy, or visit the Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world. Padua is about 40 kilometers from Vicenza and can be reached by train in half an hour.

Verona is the city of love and tragedy, where Shakespeare's famous story of Romeo and Juliet takes place. You can visit Juliet's House with the balcony and statue, Romeo's House, or the lovers' tomb. Verona is also a city with an impressive Roman amphitheater, which hosts annual opera festivals. You can also explore other sights such as the Church of San Zeno Maggiore, Castelvecchio Castle, or Piazza delle Erbe. Verona is about 50 kilometers from Vicenza and can be reached by train in 40 minutes.

Why Visit Vicenza?

Vicenza is a city worth visiting. It is the city of Palladio and a city with rich history, culture, gastronomy, and nature. There are plenty of beautiful and interesting places that will captivate you. Vicenza is also an ideal starting point for exploring the beauties and experiences of the Veneto region.