Walking Tour around the Sights of Vicenza

Walking Tour around the Sights of Vicenza

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Walking Tour around the Sights of Vicenza Italy

Vicenza is known as the adoptive city of Andrea Palladio who began life as a stonemason but became one of the most influential architects of the 16th century. His mark can be seen throughout the city of Vicenza, from the Basilica he designed to serve as the town Hall, to the Teatro Olimpico and the many palaces he built for Vicenza’s wealthy citizens.


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Starting from the bridge over the Retrone on the Contra Pescaria, take a left into Contra Proti. On the left the striking 15th century house called Casa Pigafetta was the birthplace of Antonio Pigafetta who sailed around the world with Magellan in 1519.

Continue along the Contra Proti and turn right at the end into the Piazza del Duomo. Vicenza’s cathedral was rebuilt after bombing in World War 2 left only the façade and choir standing. It is well worth detouring to take a look inside.

From the Piazza del Duomo follow the road back on itself into Contra P Lampertico. At the end, turn left along Via Battisti then right into Corso Andrea Palladio. Before turning, stop to admire the Palazzo Valmarana Braga, one of Palladio’s masterpieces decorated with giant pilasters and sculpted scenes. It was only completed in 1680, 100 years after the architect’s death. Following Via Battisti would bring you to the San Lorenzo church, known for its decorative stone carved figures, fine tombs, frescoes and lovely cloister.

Back along Corso Andrea Palladio there is a magnificent arcade along the row of houses on the left-hand side. On the corner, turn left into the Contra Porti, lined with some of the prettiest villas in Vicenza. Ornate balconies, painted windows and Gothic buildings are reminiscent of Venice. Checkout #11, Palazzo Porto Barbarano; #12 Palazzo Thiene and #21 Palazzo Iseppo da Porto which show the contrasting variety of Palladio’s style.

Turn first right and right again to return and cross the Corso Andrea Palladio. Head for the Torre di Piazza, an impressive 12th century tower which stands 269 feet (82m) high. Passing the Tower on your left you enter the Piazza dei Signori. Some of Palladio’s most elegant buildings line the Piazza including the double colonnades of the 16th century Basilica. On your right is the Loggia del Capitaniato, a covered arcade designed by Palladio in 1571. On the left is a large hall, all that remains of the Palazzo della Ragione.

Turn left at the end of the building, and left again into Piazza dell’Erbe. This is the city’s market place. Overlooked by a 13th century prison tower.

The Contra Pescari will return you to the bridge at which your walk began. Continue over the bridge to reach La Rotunda, also known as the Villa Capra Valmarana. The dome sitting above a square building epitomizes Palladio’s architecture and has been copied the world over from London to Delhi.

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