The Heart of Palladian Italy

Piazza Matteotti, 11

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first permanent indoor theater in the world, designed by the great architect Andrea Palladio in 1580. If a live performance is scheduled during your stay, it’s an unforgettable experience in an ancient setting.

Entry: ~€11 (combo tickets often available with nearby museums)

Open daily (except Mondays), guided tours available.

Piazza dei Signori

This former medieval courthouse was transformed by Palladio into a Renaissance masterpiece with its iconic loggia (arched gallery). Today it often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.

Head up to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of Vicenza’s rooftops and mountains beyond.

Entry to exhibitions: ~€5–10; rooftop bar free entry with drink purchase.

Open daily, rooftop bar open seasonally (late morning to midnight)

City Center

Vicenza’s central square, surrounded by historic buildings, lively cafes, and shops. Explore the Torre Bissara (tall medieval clocktower beside the Basilica) and the Palazzo del Capitaniato (another Palladio design with a richly decorated façade.)

On Thursday and Saturday mornings, the square transforms into a lively open-air market—perfect for tasting local cheeses, olives, and picking up souvenirs.

Main street through downtown

This elegant boulevard is named after Vicenza’s most famous son, Palladio. It’s lined with historic palazzos, stylish boutiques, gelaterias, and cafes.

Shops open daily (closed Sundays/midday closures in smaller boutiques)

Via dei Nani, 8 – ~20 min walk or short taxi ride from city center

This villa is famous for its Tiepolo frescoes, which include both mythological and domestic scenes that feel incredibly vivid. The name "ai Nani" comes from the stone dwarf statues lining the villa's wall.

Entry: ~€10

Open daily, guided tours available.

Via della Rotonda, 45 – Near Villa Valmarana

This symmetrical building inspired thousands of neoclassical buildings, including the White House! It’s surrounded by peaceful countryside views and manicured gardens.

Entry: ~€10 (gardens + interiors)

Open limited days/times – check ahead.

Verona blends romance, history, and vibrant piazzas with ease. It’s famously linked to Romeo & Juliet, but it’s also home to one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in Italy.

Top things to do:

- Arena di Verona—still in use for operas and concerts.

- Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)—must see Juliet's balcony!

- Piazza delle Erbe - market square with beautiful buildings and sculptures.

Travel time: 45 min by train

From winding canals and bridges to Renaissance art and lively piazzas, this is a must-see for first-time visitors to Italy.

Top things to do:

- Ride a Gondola along the Grand Canal for the full Venice experience.

- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and climb the Campanile (bell tower) for a panoramic view.

- Wander the Jewish Ghetto, Rialto Market, and charming backstreets for authentic Venice vibes.

Travel time: ~1 hr by train from Vicenza Station

This quaint medieval town is nestled in the vineyards of Veneto and is famous for its Soave white wine. It’s quieter than Venice or Verona, and perfect for a relaxing day of sipping and strolling.

Top things to do:

- Climb to the Castello di Soave for panoramic views and a taste of medieval history.

- Tour family-run wineries like Cantina Coffele or Pieropan for tastings.

- Wander cobblestone streets and have lunch al fresco with a crisp glass of Soave.

Travel time: ~50 min by car or 1 hr by train + short taxi

Marostica is a picture-perfect medieval town set against the foothills of the Venetian Alps. It’s most famous for its giant chessboard in the main square, where a live chess match with human pieces is performed every two years (in even-numbered Septembers).

Top things to do:

- Piazza degli Scacchi (Chess Square); The main town square, paved with a giant black-and-white chessboard.

- Castello Inferiore & Castello Superiore (Lower & Upper Castles)

- City Walls Walk; Follow the medieval walls that encircle the town.

Travel Time: ~45–55 min by car from Vicenza | ~1 hr 15 min by train + bus

Bassano del Grappa is a charming alpine town nestled along the Brenta River, known for its beautiful wooden bridge and for being the birthplace of grappa, Italy’s iconic (and strong!) digestif.

Top things to do:

- Ponte degli Alpini (The Wooden Bridge); An iconic photo spot, especially at sunset with the river and mountains in the background.

- Poli Grappa Museum; Learn how grappa is distilled and taste different varieties.

- Stroll the Old Town; Wander through the porticoed streets, artisan shops, and peaceful piazzas.

Travel Time: ~1 hr by car from Vicenza | ~1 hr 15 min by train

The Colli Berici hills are one of Veneto’s oldest wine-producing areas. Unlike the more famous Valpolicella or Soave, this region offers a more relaxed, rustic wine experience without the crowds. The perfect idea for a day trip or a few days in the hills, tasting Tai Rosso, Cabernet, Merlot, Carmenere and Garganega perhaps accompanied by the inevitable soppressa vicentina DOP .