I have mostly done day trips on this visit to Bagni di Lucca. I have several wonderful places close by, Lucca, Florence, Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi. I was looking for somewhere to go for an overnight stay. I decided on Vicenza, a town I have not been to…a good reason to go there to explore something new for me.
The trip involved a few train changes along the way. Vicenza is in northeastern Italy in the Veneto region. It is 60 kilometres west of Venice and 200 kilometres east of Milan.
Vicenzo is well known for its Palladian architecture. The town is home to 23 buildings designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, 1508 – 1580. There are another 24 villas in the Veneto area. He was influenced by Roman and Greek architecture and is widely considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture. He was born in nearby Padova.
Vicenza is a thriving modern city in a historic setting. It is the third largest Italian industrial city and one of the wealthiest. Its textile and steel industries employ tens of thousands of people. One fifth of Italy’s gold and jewellery is made in Vicenza.
All this points to a very stylish city. The main piazza surrounded by Palladian buildings is stunning, even with part of it under scaffolding.
The view in the evening when the work vehicles have left is a better representation of the piaza.
The Basilica Palladiana with its clock tower and stunning loggias takes up almost one side of Piazza dei Signori. It was built on an existing 15th century Gothic building. Palladio was commissioned in 1549 to work on the building. He added the marble loggias. The copper lined roof, shaped like an inverted ship’s hull, was inspired by the Palazzo della Ragione in Padova.
Today it is a cultural centre hosting exhibitions and events.
Andrea Palladio stands guard at the end of the building in a small piazza.
Opposite is the Palazzo del Capitaniato, or Loggia Capitanio. It was designed by Palladio in 1565 and built in 1571 – 1572. It is currently used by the town council. It did not appear to be open when I was there.
There are 2 columns at one end of Piazza dei Signori. The older one dates from 1464 when Vicenza was controlled by the Venetian Republic. It is topped with the winged lion, the symbol of St Mark and of Venice. The second column dates from 1640 and it topped with a statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The first church I walked into was at the end of the piazza. Chiesa di Santa Maria in Foro. It was begun in 1404.
Chiesa San Lorenzo in Corso Fogazzaro, facing Piazza San Lorenzo, was begun in 1280 in a mix of Gothic and Lombard Romanesque styles.
It looks especially lovely at night.
There are lots of architectural delights in the streets of Vicenza.
This is one of the main entrances to the historical centre of the town, the way I walked into from the station.
Nearby is the entrance to the Salvi Garden. The garden is quite small, but there were lots of people circling the running track and school children exercising in groups. It is a well used park.
There is a small canal with another 2 Palladian buildings beside it.
Lots of water birds were enjoying this tranquil location. An orange duck thought he had found a treat, but decided against it.
I found some fun places to have coffee, aperitivo and dinner. I also found a delightful street lined with elegant shops. I will share those in the next post.
Deb how fabulous does Veneto look – such a lovely discovery- keep in enjoying Helen
By: Helen on October 11, 2025
at 9:08 pm
Vicenza is a beautiful town. I had no idea what to expect and I was delighted by what I found.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 12, 2025
at 2:35 am
Lovely Vicenza! I have visited on a couple of occasions but only day trips from Verona but would love to stay and explore for a few days. Judging from the elegantly dressed older ladies I could see there was money there- the market is huge!
By: Paula on October 11, 2025
at 9:16 pm
I will definitely return to Vicenza, there is more to explore. There is a huge park that needs to be visited. The market covered the piazza on the second day I was in town and it had some good products, but I’m pleased I saw the lovely piazza first without it. Markets can obscure the beauty of a place.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 12, 2025
at 2:39 am
Lovely to read this. Vicenza is a city I know well and consider it to be one if the most beautiful cities in Italy. The Palladian architecture there is breathtaking.
By: orna2013 on October 11, 2025
at 10:03 pm
The architecture is spectacular and the city is elegant. I found the shops to be the most stylish outside of a major city.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 12, 2025
at 2:40 am
I so enjoy sharing these Italian travels with you. Thank you.
By: Jocelyn Donachie on October 11, 2025
at 10:10 pm
Thank you for commenting. I love exploring new (for me) places. I will be returning to Vicenza.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 12, 2025
at 2:41 am
Exquisite, once again Debra. I love how you capture the distinct architecture in each city/town that you visit.
Are you going to the Marie Antoinette Exhibition at the V&A on your way home? It looks amazing!
By: Cheryl Conroy on October 11, 2025
at 11:59 pm
I am going through Cambridge and London on the way home, but I’m not sure yet how long I will be in London. There exhibition does look amazing.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 12, 2025
at 2:42 am
Wow look at all of that architecture! :O I love all the different styles. An architecture buff would so love Vincenza.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 12, 2025
at 10:42 pm
Vicenza is a stunning town. I had heard lots about it and thought it was time to investigate.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2025
at 6:29 pm
Vicenza looks absolutely stunning
All your photos show the wonderful architecture & am sure you will visit it again.
By: Camillus Davall on October 13, 2025
at 9:56 pm
I will definitely go back. Vicenza would be a good base from which to explore the area.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2025
at 6:25 pm