Tourist information on Vicenza, Italy

Vicenza is a city in the Veneto region of northeast Italy. Situated on the River Bacchiglione at the foot of the volcanic Monte Berico, it lies 60 km to the west of Venice, roughly midway between Padua and Verona. As well as being a major tourist attraction, Vicenza is a prosperous modern city, thriving on its traditional industries (textiles, steel and jewellery) and new high-tech industries (computer electronics). The splendour of the city's historical architecture is matched by that of the surrounding countryside, which is stunningly beautiful in the summer. Vicenza is often referred to as Palladio's City, as it was the birthplace of Andrea Palladio, the 16th century architect of world-renown whose creations adorn the city and its environs.

The city of Vicenza was well-established before it was conquered by the Romans in 157 BC. The native Paleo-Veneti tribe allied themselves with the Romans in battles against Celtic tribes and their city was named Vincentia, which means Victorious. In the 1st century BC, Vicenza became an important way station on the road from Mediolanum to Aquileia but it was soon overtaken by neighbouring Padua. After the fall of Rome, the city was ransacked by Germanic tribes and came under the rule of the Byzantines and then the Lombards. The city was destroyed by the Barbarians in 889 but was rebuilt and became an Episcopal stronghold in the 11th century. In 1404, Vicenza was absorbed into the Republic of Venice and enjoyed a long period of prosperity, growing rich through its textiles and goldwork industries. The city flaunted its wealth with its grand new buildings. The architect who had the greatest impact on the city's design was Andrea Palladio who, in the 16th century, transformed Vicenza with his palazzos and villas. The city was annexed by Austria in 1814, although the population rose up against Austrian rule. It joined the newly created Kingdom of Italy in 1866. In WWII, the city was extensively damaged by Allied bombardment. Along with the rest of the Veneto region, Vicenza experienced an economic boom in the 1960s and it rapidly expanded into an important industrial centre.

Most of Vicenza's attractions are contained in a fairly small region within the old city walls. The Piazza dei Signori is the main square at the heart of the city, dominated by one of Vicenza's most visible landmarks, the Basilica Palladiana. Built in the 15th century, this was originally the seat of government, known then as the Palazzo della Ragione. When part of the building collapsed in the mid-16th century, the architect Andrea Palladio was commissioned to rebuild it. His design, which included a marble shell, red-brick loggia and portico, completely altered the appearance of the original Gothic building. Standing alongside this is Vicenza's other principal landmark, a clock tower named the Torre Bissara (or Torre di Piazza). This dates from the 13th century and, at 82 metres in height, is one of the city's tallest structures.

On the north edge of the Piazza dei Signori is the Corso Andrea Palladio, the city centre's main thoroughfare, lined with cafés and boutiques. Heading eastwards, this leads to the Palazzo Chiericati, a grand Renaissance palace which stands on the Piazza Matteotti. This was also designed by Palladio, in the mid 16th century, and has an impressive double-columned façade, with Doric columns at the lower level and Ionic columns above. Originally a private residence, the palace now serves as the Museo Civico and houses the city's art gallery, a large collection of paintings, mostly by artists from northern Italy. Opposite this is the Teatro Olimpico, the last thing that Palladio designed. Built in the 1580s, this is the oldest surviving enclosed theatre in the world. Its trompe-l'oeil scenery was created by Vincenzo Scamozzi and gives the impression that the stage is much wider than it really is.

Vicenza Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata) was consecrated in the 4th century, although most of its current structure dates from the 16th century. Its interior is richly adorned with paintings and sculptures, mostly by local artists. Another important sacred building is the Church of St Mary of Mount Berico (Basilica di S. Maria di Monte Berico), which stands on a hill just outside the city. Dating back to the 15th century, it is built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, promising to rid Vicenza of plague in return for a church. Palladio had a hand in the restoration of the church in the 16th century. The church can be reached by bus or on foot (via a long arcaded walkway from the city) and is worth visiting for its amazing views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Other churches worth visiting are: the Church of Araceli, built in the 13th century, and San Marco in San Girolamo, an 18th century Baroque church built by the Discalced Carmelites. Dotted around the outskirts of the town are several elegant villas, some designed by Palladio. Of particular interest are La Rotonda and the Villa Valmarana ai Nani. Vicenza also has two attractive parks, the Parco Querini, a large park with an eye-catching classical temple, and Giardino Salvi, which is decorated with statues and the Palladian Loggia Valmarana.

The nearest airports to Vicenza are at Treviso, Venice and Verona, from which it is possible to complete the journey by train. Vicenza railway station is located to the southwest of the city centre and offers links to several other destinations in Italy, including Padua, Verona, Milan and Venice. A bus service provides a cheaper alternative for exploring the area and offers greater coverage.