The 11 essential things to do in Vicence • Wanderlix

Are you going to discover the north of Italy? Do not pass next to Vicence, a city with incomparable architectural heritage

Northeast of Italy and not far from Venice , the small town of Vicence is a pleasant step on the road to the Sérénissime.

There are numerous monuments and churches, many of which were designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio. He left his mark on the city, which is now listed on the UNESCO world heritage for the artist’s work.

Visiting Vicence is also discovering the gastronomy of Veneto and immersing itself in the history of the region. To help you plan your stay, we have compiled a list of the must-have to do in Vicence.

1. The Olympic Theatre

The Olympic Theatre is the last architectural masterpiece designed by Palladio. Classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the oldest covered theatre in the world. Its construction began in 1580, the year of the death of Palladio, and was inaugurated in 1585.

You will be dazzled by its baroque style interior and the work in trumpet-eye used by architects. Thus, the space behind the scene, which is only a few meters deep, seems to sink into the depths of the building.

In addition to this impressive optics illusion, you will admire the painted wooden decors as well as the ceiling that reproduces the sky of an open-air theatre. We still give shows, especially to the Spring and Autumn . If you want to attend, think about book in advance , the room capacity is limited to 400 people to preserve the building.

2. The Palazzo Chiericati

Another work house in Palladio, the Chiericati Palace was built in 1550 to become the residence of Count Girolamo Chiericati. It is a building in the purest Renaissance style, with an impressive façade composed of three loggias, in the way Palladio built the villas.

The palace welcomes the museum of the city of Vicence, with a large collection of paintings, sculptures and applied arts dating from the 13th to the 20th century. You can admire the works of art Tintoret , Veronese, Bassano and many other great masters of Italian painting.

3. The piazza dei Signori

Visiting Vicence will lead you to the piazza dei Signori. Literally "place of the Lords", it is located in the heart of the old city. Originally it was the place where the Roman forum and the market were held. Today, it is a pleasant place to stroll, which brings together some of the main attractions to do in Vicence.

In rectangular form, it is indeed bordered by the Palladian Basilica and the Torre Bissara in the south, the church of San Vincenzo and the Loggia del Capitano in the north. Don't miss the two Corinthian columns surmounted by the lion of Saint Mark and Christ Redeemer.

After visiting all these monuments to make in Vicence, sit on the terrace to enjoy a drink accompanied by antipastis. The dolce lived in Italian!

4. Naturalist-Archaeological Museum

Located since 1991 in the Santa Corona cloister complex, this museum is divided into 2 sections. In the first you will discover the endemic fauna and flora of the territory, especially those of the Berici hills, at the gates of the city.

The visit continues by the archaeology section, which retraces the history of the settlement of the region from the paleolithic. There are tools, vases and bronze votive plates. The most recent history is represented by mosaics and frescoes found during excavations. A good way to visit Vicence by learning.

5. Les galeries d’Italie du Palazzo Montanari

This late baroque palace houses the art collections of the Intesa Sanpaolo bank. You will discover a collection of Russian icons, one of magno-grec vases and another of Venetian art of the eighteenth century.

One of the major pieces of the museum is the fall of the rebel angels of Agostino Fasolato. Sixty characters are carved in a single and unique Carrare marble block.

6. Querini Park

A true green lung of Vicenza, Querini Park is a haven of peace frequented by joggers, tourists and locals. In the middle of the park, a neoclassical temple dating from 120 is surrounded by a small pond frequented by ducks. The Querini Park is perfect for a short break between two museums when you visit Vicence.

7. The garden Salvi

Only 500 metres from the train station, the Salvi Garden is a beautiful entry in matter if you come to visit Vicence. You can admire the Loggia Valmarana, classified at Unesco and built by Palladio or one of its students.

The Seriola River flows in the middle of the park and makes it a bucolic place perfect for a family or in love ride.

8. Palladio Museum

Within the magnificent Palazzo Barbarano, classified as a world heritage, you will discover in detail the whole life of the city’s most famous architect. The Palladio Museum retraces the history of Italian engineering, through models of its constructions, portraits, drawings and notes.

It is a true journey in the time that is offered to you, to meet the artist and his profound nature.

9. The diocesan museum

This last museum tells the history of the church vicentine. Through its 11 rooms, you will pass paleochretian archaeological discoveries to the goldsmiths of the last centuries, through sacred objects and clothing. The opportunity to visit Vicence from another angle.

10. Ponte San Michele

For a romantic trip to Vicenza, take the direction of the bridge of San Michele. It entangles the Retrone River, in a quiet, green area. You will find nearby many typical restaurants to taste the region's culinary specialties.

11. Places of worship

The Church of Santa Corona

This church welcomes many treasures, such as the chapel Valmarana de Palladio, the baptism of the Christ of Bellini, as well as the works of Veronese, Pittoni and Montagna.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunciata

On the Piazza del Duomo stands the main place of worship to visit in Vicence. His dome was probably projected by Andrea Palladio, just like the north gate. The building was destroyed during the Second World War. Only the facade and the campanile survived the bombings.

You will be impressed by the monumental nave, open to several side chapels, and the choir with a polychrome marble retable.

The Palladian Basilica

On Piazza dei Signori, it is a must-see monument if you come to visit Vicence. Considered one of the masterpieces of Andrea Palladio, the building was completed in 1614, 34 years after its death.

It is characterized by beautiful white marble loggias. The latter were added by the architect to a more ancient Gothic building. Today, it hosts various exhibitions in 3 independent cultural spaces. Just beside you, don't miss the Torre Bissara and its 82 meters high.

Monte Berico Basilica

In addition to numerous works of art in its walls, the sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Mont Berico offers a breathtaking view of the city. Perched on a hill, there is a staircase leading to the main entrance of the church.

Its façade is decorated with sculptures and statues of angels, while its interior contains a multitude of treasures. Among them, the works of Maganza and Veronese as well as a sacred icon of the Virgin.

To see and do also to Vincence

• Buso della Rana Cave
• A wine tasting
• Palladian villas (Godi, Rotonda, Valmarana...)

How do I go to Vicence?

By car

Located northeast of Italy, Vicence is very well served by the road network. You will reach it from Venice, located to the east, less than 1 hour by highway A57/E70.

From France, you will first join Milan . Then count 2:30 by the A51, then the E4 and finally the E70. Enjoy it to make a stop to Bergamo and the majestic Lake Garda. From the south, go to Bologna, then follow the A13 and the A31 during 2 hours .

By train

The railway network is also very developed in Italy. From Bologna , count 1:30 , from Milan, you will join Vicence in 1h40 . From Venice, the train only 45 minutes , with departures every 40 minutes.

By plane

There is no airport in the city of Vicence. The closest is the Venice airport that you can easily reach from all over Europe. Then you will only have to reach Vicence by train or by bus.

To find the best prices, we recommend that you use the flight comparison Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Vicence?

To make the most of your stay in Vicence, we recommend looking for accommodation in the city centre, close to the main attractions. Using one Compare hotels , you will easily find offers in all price ranges.

For more independence, turn to housing in Airbnb .