Architect Palladio
A tour of the city of Andrea Palladio, the symbol of Vicenza’s art
When, in his Italian Journey, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe came to describe Andrea Palladio (1508–1580), he went so far as to bestow a solemn tribute: “an extraordinary man, both for what he felt within himself and for what he was able to express beyond himself.”
This alone should make it clear that we are dealing with a truly great figure, capable of influencing architecture even across the ocean, so much so that even today in America one speaks of Palladianism.
It would take far too long to list and describe one by one the attractions of Vicenza designed by Andrea Palladio; suffice it to say for now that within the boundaries of Vicenza alone, Palladio’s city, there are 23 monuments by the great architect, and a further 16 works can be admired throughout the province.
We began with a quotation; let us end with another. Guido Piovene said that knowing Palladio, the Basilica, the Loggia del Capitaniato and the others through study is an imperfect knowledge. You have to see them in Vicenza.
That’s right: you have to see them in Vicenza. Our hotel right in the heart of the historic centre will therefore be the ideal starting point.
Some of the most famous works
- Villa Almerico–Capra, known as La Rotonda
- The Olympic Theatre in Vicenza
- Palladian Basilica
- Chiericati Palace
- Bassano Bridge (Alpini Bridge)
- Barbaran da Porto Palace
- Captains' Loggia
- Arco delle Scalette
