Guide Name: Angela Bianco
Vicenza is one of the best preserved monumental city centres in Italy.
Our visit begins at Vicenza’s high street, Corso Palladio. In and around this street can be found many palaces designed by Palladio (Palazzo Bonin-Longare, Palazzo Piovene, Palazzo Porto-Colleoni, Palazzo Thiene) and the visit aims at following a chronological order to see the evolution of his style. The Piazza dei Signori offers two great examples of his early work (the Basilica) and his later period (The Capitaniato). We may divert from Palladio to explore some of the other jewels of Vicenza, from Santa Corona, one of the earliest Gothic churches in the Veneto, which hosts a relic of the Thorn of crowns and an important altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini to experiencing local specialities such as baccalà alla vicentina. The visit then returns to Corso Palladio and continues with Palazzo Chiericati and Teatro Olimpico, the earliest indoor theatre in Europe.
From the city centre we will head to Villa Rotonda, the most famous of Palladio’s villas. This can be done as a leisurely walk or via taxi, depending on the group’s desire. This walk can also be extended to include the nearby Villa Valmarana ai Nani, decorated by G.B. Tiepolo.
Thanks to my long experience in the touristic field first as Tour Leader and now as Local Guide I can suggest you what can fit you best to enjoy a visit in my region