Vicenza Italy - Charming and Elegant

I suppose when it comes to Vicenza Italy I am a little biased. Our house is in the province of Vicenza and the Italian side of the family has lived here for centuries

It is a far nicer than Verona as a base to explore and a lot more central and cheaper than Venice.

There are countless other reasons but the bottom line is that Vicenza is a beautiful, well organized and extremely well-positioned town.

Where to Stay

Vicenza Hotels are definitely nothing special. The best thing that can be said about most of them is that they are a lot cheaper than Venice.

Around three or four of the hotels are worthwhile. The best of these in terms of rates, quality and location is the Continental Hotel (view details/reviews). It is about ten minutes walk from the hotel to the city centre.

Bob and Jenny's Bed and Breakfast is another very good option.


Getting to Vicenza Italy

Vicenza lies along the main rail route and motorway (A4) between Milan, Verona and Venice. If you fly into Venice catch the bus to Mestre and then the train to Vicenza.

What to See in Vicenza

This is a town that is perfect to explore on foot. It is fairly small and all parts of the town centre are within easy walking distance.

The list of things to do and places to see is surprisingly long for such a relatively small town.

Here is our list of the “must see” sights in Vicenza:

The Palladian Villas

Undoubtedly Vicenza’s main tourist attraction.

Andrea Palladio is renowned globally for the famous Palladian style of architecture – even the White House was Palladio inspired.

Vicenza is in fact known as Palladian city and it is here that the bulk of the buildings designed by Palladio are to be found.

Visiting the villas is easiest if you have a car but they can mostly be reached by public transport. The number 8 bus that you can catch near the station goes past a lot of them and stops in front of the most famous of all the villas – La Rotonda.

The Vicenza Italy tourist office in the old town - Piazza dei Signori, 8 – has a lot of info, maps and advice on visiting the villas. The ladies in the office are very helpful and friendly, Anna in particular is fantastic and will be able to give all the advice you need on opening times etc.

A great way to visit the villas is to stay at Bob and Jenny’s Place - a really delightful bed and breakfast. They have a cycle path and footpath just behind their premises that takes you to the best of the villas – the walk isn’t difficult.

If you aren’t up to hiking or cycling and don’t have your own car they will organize a guided car tour.

Teatro Olimpico.

Top of the visiting list in the city itself and designed by Palladio. This was Palladio’s last work and was finished by Vincenzo Scamozzi. The stage is based on the city of Thebes and creates the sensation of space and distance.

Teatro Olimpico is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm. The best thing to do is to buy the Card Musei which is valid for the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati and the Museo Naturalistico – Archeologico. This costs only €8,00 and is valid for three days.

The Basilica Palladiana

Another Palladian great and many consider this to be his best work but in fact apart from the facade most of it is not actually his work - still nice though.

Santuario di Monte Berico

Commemorates the double sighting of the Madonna right here. It was built in the 15th century with the interior in the shape of a Greek cross. It is indeed a lovely place; the walk up here is very peaceful but fairly long – there is also a bus if you don’t fancy the walk.

Make the effort to visit as the view alone is worth the trip. The artwork by Carpioni and the Sacristy’s inlaid wooden closets are other highlights.

And best of all...

For the rest just enjoy walking around and savouring the atmosphere of the old town, stroll around the parks, enjoy the colour and vibrancy of the markets and take an espresso at a bar with the locals.

Vicenza is a town that is full of life - become a part of it for just a few days and you will be enchanted.

Where to Eat in Vicenza

Visit our Restaurant guide for restaurants in Vicenza Italy and the Veneto





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