VICENZA
Vicenza: guided tours of the city of Palladio
Vicenza, the city of Palladio. Enjoy a tour of a splendid Renaissance city nestled within the Po River Valley, rich with history and art. As a destination of the Venetians, Vicenza is the “city of Palladio”, to whom it is bound by a unique and indissoluble bond. The city is silently overlooked by the majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico, which houses a splendid painting by Paolo Veronese titled “La cena di San Gregorio Magno”. Legend has it that the Madonna appeared here twice to free the city of a terrible plague.
Not far off, a dirt road leads to Villa Rotonda, one of Palladio's most famous Venetian Villas, with its square-based dome and large loggia, which features Ionic columns reminiscent of an imposing an ancient temple.
The highlights not to be missed during the walking tour in Vicenza
As a cultural jewel immersed within the heart of the Veneto region, the city of Vicenza is home to numerous late-renaissance architectural works designed by Palladio himself, the presence of which has resulted in the city being named as a UNESCO world heritage site. Most of the works by this renowned renaissance architect are concentrated within the city's historic centre. Palazzo Chiericati, which houses the civic museum, is an optimal starting point for discovering all the attractions that this area has to offer. The museum allows visitors to familiarize themselves with the local artistic tradition of Venetian influence, featuring magnificent works by both renowned and lesser known artists.
In order to gain a better appreciation of the spirit and essence of Paladio's works, visitors can visit Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, which houses the Palladio Museum. This venue, in fact, is not only an optimal cultural destination, but also serves as an excellent educational centre for young engineers and architects. Vicenza is also home to another majestic example of Paladian architecture: Palazzo Thiene, which is now home to a bank and even hosts a splendid art collection.
In the historic centre, be sure to visit the church of Santa Corona, which was the symbol of the city of Vicenza for centuries. While the church's construction was begun by the Dominicans 1260, it was later reworked and ultimately completed during the 15thcentury. The structure houses magnificent artworks by Bellini, Veronese, Veneziano and Bartolomeo Montagna. The guided tours of the city offered by the local licensed tour guides allow visitors to enjoy and gain a full appreciation of all these elegant masterpieces.
And yet Vicenza is not only home to works by Palladio: its roads are also lined with excellent examples of Roman architecture, primarily along Via Postumia, where the characteristic orthogonal grid of the Roman castrum can still be seen to this day.
Any tour of the city must include a visit to the famous Basilica Palladiana overlooking Piazza dei Signori, which was once the seat of the local judiciary and now hosts a wide range of important architectural and theatre exhibitions.
Olympic Theatre
Another site of significant interest is the Olympic Theatre, whose wooden sculptures featuring exceptional perspective illusionism and superb attention to detail can't help but impress every visitor. It is recognized as the most ancient stable covered theatre of the modern age, and is still used for concerts and performances to this day. A curiosity: in order to avoid ruining the structure and damaging its components, no heating or air conditioning units have been installed, and for this reason it is mainly used during the springtime.
Discover Vicenza with a local tourist guide
A tour of Vicenza and its surrounding territory will allow visitors to gain a full appreciation of the history of the Po River Valley and its inhabitants. For this reason, we recommend relying upon the services of a licensed tour guide for the city of Vicenza, who will help you create the itinerary that best suits your needs and interests by offering guided tours of the city itself, as well as customized tours of the Venetian Villas and the surrounding province. It's even possible to include a tour of the nearby city of Verona or any other local itinerary, based on your specific interests. Send me an e-mail to request a free quote or call the number indicated on the website directly.
Why you should visit Vicenza with a guide?
This beautiful Vicenza is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.
While it's possible to explore Vicenza on your own, there are several reasons
why you should consider hiring a guide for your visit.
Learn about the city's history and culture
Vicenza is a city with a rich history that dates back to
Roman times. A knowledgeable guide can provide you with insight into the city's past and help you appreciate
its cultural significance. They can point out significant landmarks and provide
historical context that you may not get on your own.
Discover hidden gems
Vicenza is a city full of hidden gems that are off the
beaten path. A guide can take you to lesser-known
neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants that you may not have discovered on
your own. They can provide you with a unique perspective on the city and show
you its hidden treasures.
Avoid the crowds
As with any popular tourist destination, Vicenza can get
crowded during peak travel season. A guide can help you navigate the city and avoid the crowds. They can take you
on less-traveled routes and provide insider tips on the best times to visit
certain attractions.
Customize your itinerary
When you hire a guide, you can customize your itinerary to
fit your interests. If you're interested in art and architecture, your guide
can take you to the city's many museums and landmarks. If you're a foodie, they
can take you on a culinary tour of the city's best restaurants and markets.
Whatever your interests may be, a guide can tailor your experience to meet your needs.
Get local recommendations
One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing the local
culture. A guide can provide you with recommendations
on where to eat, shop and what to explore. They can take you to places that
are popular with the locals and give you an authentic taste of the city.
In conclusion, hiring a guide for your visit to Vicenza can enhance your travel experience in many ways.
From learning about the city's history and culture to discovering hidden gems
and avoiding the crowds, a guide can provide you with a unique perspective on
this beautiful city. So, if you're planning a trip to Vicenza, consider hiring
a guide to make the most of your visit.