Palladio and Scamozzi
Teatro Olimpico
Palladio's last work, opened in 1585 with Oedipus Rex: the perspective scenery of the streets of Thebes is still the original.
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City guide
Things to do in Vicenza: the places not to miss
The Teatro Olimpico, the Basilica Palladiana, and the palaces and villas of Andrea Palladio: here is how to plan your visit to the city in one or two days.
- Guiding since 2008
- Licensed guide no. 05000058
- Private tours only
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At a glance
What to see in Vicenza in one day or two?
Things to do in Vicenza: see the Teatro Olimpico, the Basilica Palladiana on Piazza dei Signori, Corso Palladio with its palaces and, just outside the centre, Villa La Rotonda and Villa Valmarana ai Nani. One day in Vicenza is enough to see the historic centre properly; with two days you can add the villas and Monte Berico. The city and the Palladian villas have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Suggested itineraries
Vicenza in one day and in two days
An outline to help you find your bearings: every private tour is then shaped around your interests and your pace.
| When | Vicenza in 1 day | Vicenza in 2 days |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1, morning | Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati, Corso Palladio | Teatro Olimpico, Santa Corona, Corso Palladio |
| Day 1, afternoon | Piazza dei Signori, Basilica Palladiana, Loggia del Capitaniato, Santa Corona | Piazza dei Signori, Basilica Palladiana, Palladio's palaces |
| Day 2, morning | – | Villa Almerico Capra, known as La Rotonda, and Villa Valmarana ai Nani |
| Day 2, afternoon | – | Arco delle Scalette, the walk up to Monte Berico, Palazzo Chiericati |
For a well-planned first day there is the Vicenza, City of Palladio walking tour; for the second, the La Rotonda and Valmarana ai Nani tour. You will find every option on the Vicenza tours and guided visits page.
In depth
Vicenza's main sights
The heart of the city
Basilica Palladiana and Piazza dei Signori
Palladio's stone loggias around the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre Bissara and the Loggia del Capitaniato.
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Villa Almerico Capra
Villa La Rotonda
The centrally planned villa that has inspired architects all over the world, on a hill on the edge of Vicenza.
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The Tiepolo frescoes
Villa Valmarana ai Nani
Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, 1757: epic poems, chinoiseries and country scenes, plus the legend of the dwarfs.
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Sanctuary and view
Monte Berico
The sanctuary basilica, Veronese's Supper of St Gregory the Great and the finest viewpoint over the city.
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More places to see in Vicenza's historic centre
Santa Corona
A Gothic Dominican church, built to house a thorn from Christ's crown. Inside are Giovanni Bellini's Baptism of Christ and the Cappella Valmarana, attributed to Palladio. The cloisters are home to the Museo Naturalistico Archeologico (Natural History and Archaeology Museum).
Palazzo Chiericati
Overlooking Piazza Matteotti, this is one of Palladio's most theatrical palaces, with superimposed loggias opening onto the public square. It houses the civic art gallery, the Pinacoteca civica.
Loggia del Capitaniato
Facing the Basilica, Palladio's loggia was built in 1571-1572 as the residence of the Venetian captain: red brick, giant columns and stucco work celebrating the victory at Lepanto.
Corso Palladio
The city's main street follows the line of the Roman decumanus and is a succession of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, from Porta Castello to Piazza Matteotti. The simplest way to read Vicenza is to stroll along it slowly, looking up.
Arco delle Scalette
Attributed to Palladio and dated 1595, this arch marks the start of the flight of steps that climbs to Monte Berico. It is the ideal starting point if you would like to combine art with a short, scenic walk.
Practical tips for visiting Vicenza
- The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot; for the villas outside town you will need transport, or you can take a green walk out to La Rotonda.
- Many of the civic museums can be visited with a combined ticket: worth considering if you plan to go inside several sites.
- Villa La Rotonda is privately owned and opens on a limited number of days: always check beforehand.
- Opening times and days change with the seasons and with events: we check them for you when you send your request.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: things to do in Vicenza
Is one day enough to visit Vicenza?
One day is enough for the historic centre: the Teatro Olimpico, Corso Palladio, Piazza dei Signori with the Basilica Palladiana, and Santa Corona. To add the villas and Monte Berico, it is better to allow two days.
What is the most important sight in Vicenza?
The Teatro Olimpico, Andrea Palladio's last work, inaugurated in 1585, is the symbol of the city. Together with the Basilica Palladiana and Villa La Rotonda, it forms the essential core of a first visit.
Can you walk to La Rotonda from the centre?
Yes, it is a walk of about half an hour, partly through greenery, passing close to Villa Valmarana ai Nani. Alternatively, you can get there by car or by bus.
Is a guided tour of Vicenza worth it?
A licensed guide helps you read Palladio's architecture and link the sites into one coherent story, making the most of your time. Daniela Zarpellon offers private tours only, built around your interests.
Private tour
Discover Vicenza with a licensed guide
Tell me how much time you have and what you are curious about: I will suggest a tailor-made itinerary, with a clear quote before you confirm. You can also read more about me.
