Tour suggestions
Vicenza
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994...
...Vicenza is decorated with the majestic architecture of one of the greatest masters of all times: Andrea Palladio.
In the main square, Piazza dei Signori, we can admire the elegant Palladian Basilica and the beautiful Loggia of the Captain. Other works by the great architect in Vicenza are Palazzo Chiericati, today's Civic Museum and Art Gallery, Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, home of the Palladian Museum, Palazzo Valmarana and many other Venetian style palaces. Of particular value is the architectural work of the Olympic Theatre. Worth a visit are also the Cathedral and the church of Santa Corona, decorated with wonderful works of art. The Basilica of Monte Berico is not far from the town centre on the hill that dominates the city. It is the home of precious works of arts such as a painting by Paolo Veronese.
Duration of a guided tour in Vicenza: 2/2,5 hours
To taste...
Mostarda vicentina (a spicy jam), Vicenza style stockfish, cherries from Marostica, white asparagus from Bassano, sopressa vicentina (a typical salame), extra virgin olive oil, Prosciutto veneto Berico Euganeo (smoked ham), Asiago cheese, peas from Lumignano, black truffles, grappa, DOC wines...
Places to see in the province of Vicenza…
Montecchio Maggiore: it is dominated by the Bellaguardia Castle and the Castle of the Villa, also known as the "Castles of Romeo and Juliet". The manors are strategically positioned, separated by a valley but also close, just as the two unfortunate lovers were.
Nove: this is a lively town, renowned for the production of artistic pottery.
The Ceramic Museum documents the history of ceramics of the Veneto region, Vicenza and Nove.
Many villas designed by Palladio: the country house Villa Almerico-Capra, also called La Rotonda, is one of the Palladian architectural symbols, the enchanting 17th century villa Valmarana ai Nani, Villa Caldogno, Villa Godi Malinverni and many more.
Bassano del Grappa: it a small medieval town. The symbol of the city is the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) built on a project by Palladio. The Civic Museum is the oldest in the Veneto region.
Marostica: this town is known as the City of Chess due to a medieval re-enactment that takes place every two years in the famous Chess Square, opposite the Lower Castle.