Vicenza: The Complete Guide

Vicenza

Vicenza  is a city in north-eastern Italy. It is in the Veneto region at the northern base of the Monte Berico, where it straddles the Bacchiglione River. Vicenza is approximately 60 kilometres (37 mi) west of Venice and 200 kilometres (120 mi) east of Milan. Vicenza is a thriving and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history and culture, and many museums, art galleries, piazzas, villas, churches and elegant Renaissance palazzi.

The great Renaissance architect Palladio left his mark all over this contented city (which has built much of its modern wealth on textiles and computer components). Indeed, Palladio didn’t stop within the city limits, spattering the hinterland with villas for the grand families of the Venetian Republic such as his renowned Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater), the “city of Palladio” has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

Vicenza flourished as the Roman Vicentia. In 1404 it became part of the Venetian Republic. Testimony to the close ties between the lagoon city and Vicenza are the many Venetian Gothic mansions, not to mention the statues of the lion of St Mark and St Theodore that grace Piazza dei Signori.

History of Vicenza

Vicenza in Ancient Times: Venetic and Roman Foundations

The early history of Vicenza begins with the Veneti people, who settled the area before the rise of Rome. By the 2nd century BCE, Vicenza had become part of the Roman Republic and was granted municipal status. Known as Vicetia, the city developed steadily, benefiting from its location along important trade routes. Under Roman rule, Vicenza saw the construction of typical urban infrastructure such as roads, aqueducts, and public buildings. While it never reached the size or importance of cities like Verona or Padua, Vicenza served as a stable and prosperous provincial town within the Empire.

Vicenza in the Middle Ages: From Collapse to Commune

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Vicenza endured a series of invasions and political changes, falling under the control of the Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Franks. During the early medieval period, the city was governed by bishops who wielded both religious and secular authority. By the 11th century, Vicenza evolved into a self-governing commune, part of the growing movement of civic autonomy across northern Italy. However, this period was also marked by conflicts with neighboring cities, including Padua and Verona, as well as internal factionalism between powerful families and political factions like the Guelphs and Ghibellines.

Vicenza in the Renaissance: The Age of Palladio

The Renaissance ushered in Vicenza’s golden age, particularly in the 16th century, when the city came under the stable rule of the Republic of Venice. It was during this period that Vicenza’s most famous citizen, the architect Andrea Palladio, transformed the cityscape. Palladio designed a remarkable array of villas, palaces, and civic buildings that still define Vicenza’s visual identity today. Notable works include the Basilica Palladiana, Teatro Olimpico, and numerous countryside villas in the surrounding region. His neoclassical style influenced European architecture for centuries and earned Vicenza recognition as a center of artistic and cultural refinement.

Vicenza in the Modern Era: From Decline to Unity

Following the fall of Venice in 1797, Vicenza was absorbed into the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and later transferred to Austrian control. The 19th century was a time of economic stagnation but also political awakening. Vicenza played a part in the Italian unification movement, with local resistance to Austrian rule culminating in the city’s inclusion in the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. Industrialization gradually took hold, though Vicenza maintained a strong cultural identity rooted in its Renaissance heritage.

Vicenza in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Preservation and Progress

Vicenza faced challenges during both World Wars, including damage from aerial bombings in the Second World War. Despite these hardships, the city retained much of its architectural legacy. In the post-war years, Vicenza rebuilt and expanded, developing a strong economy based on manufacturing, goldsmithing, and fashion. The city’s historical core was carefully preserved, and in 1994, Vicenza—along with Palladio’s villas in the surrounding countryside—was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Vicenza is celebrated for its blend of classical architecture, modern industry, and rich cultural traditions that continue to shape its identity.

Visiting Vicenza for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Vicenza on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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8 Best places to See in Vicenza

This complete guide to Vicenza not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Vicenza and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Capitaniato

Piazza Dei Signori And Loggia Del Capitaniato
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Geobia
The palazzo del Capitaniato, also known as loggia del Capitanio or loggia Bernarda, is a palazzo in Vicenza, northern Italy, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1565 and built between 1571 and 1572. It is located on the central Piazza dei Signori, facing the Basilica Palladiana. It was the site of the old Roman forum, with two columns from the Venetian…
Location: Piazza dei Signori, Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Capitaniato

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Basilica Palladiana and Museo Palladiano

Vista Sulla Basilica Palladiana Vicenza
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Angela.grigenti
The Basilica Palladiana is a Renaissance building in the central Piazza dei Signori in Vicenza, north-eastern Italy. The most notable feature of the edifice is the loggia, which shows one of the first examples of what have come to be known as the Palladian window, designed by a young Andrea Palladio, whose work in architecture was to have a significant…
Location: Basilica Palladiana, Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: 10am-4pm Tue-Sun | Price: basilica adult/reduced €4/2, exhibitions €10-13 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Basilica Palladiana and Museo Palladiano

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Vicenza . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

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Museo Naturalistico e Archeologico, Vicenza

Museo Naturalistico Archeologico Vicenza
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Roby 48
The Naturalistic Archaeological Museum of Santa Corona in Vicenza , inaugurated in 1991 , is located in the convent and cloisters of the former Dominican convent adjacent to the church of Santa Corona , in the historic center. For the naturalistic part it is located on the first floor and houses numerous fossils, fish and stuffed animals of the territory…
Location: Museo Naturalistico e Archeologico di Santa Corona, Contrà Santa Corona, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: All Week: 09.00 – 19.00 | Price: Single cumulative full ticket (Visit to the Naturalistic Archaeological Museum, Olympic Theater, Gallerie d'Italia, Diocesan Museum and Palladiummuseum): 10 € | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo Naturalistico e Archeologico, Vicenza

Palazzo Leoni Montanari

768px Palazzo Leoni Montanari
CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko
The Palazzo Leoni Montanari is a late Baroque palace located in Contra’ San Corona number 25 in central Vicenza in the Veneto region of Italy. It now houses exhibition rooms, meeting places, and art collections owned by the bank Intesa Sanpaolo.
Location: Palazzo Leoni Montanari, Contrà Santa Corona, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: 10am-6pm Tue-Sun | Price: adult/reduced €5/3, or free with MuseumCard | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Palazzo Leoni Montanari

Palazzo Chiericati

Vicenza Palazzo Chiericati
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ernesto Sguotti
The Palazzo Chiericati is a Renaissance palace in Vicenza (northern Italy), designed by Andrea Palladio. Palladio was asked to design and build the palazzo by Count Girolamo Chiericati. The architect started building the palace in 1550, and some further work was completed under the patronage of Chiericati's son, Valerio. However, the palazzo was not fully finished until about 1680, possibly…
Location: Palazzo Chiericati, Piazza Matteotti, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: 9am-5pm Tue-Sun Sep-Jun, 10am-6pm Tue-Sun Jul & Aug | Price: adult/reduced €7/5 | Website | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Palazzo Chiericati

Teatro Olimpico

Teatro Olimpico
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Miriam-36100
The Teatro Olimpico ("Olympic Theatre") is a theatre in Vicenza, northern Italy, constructed in 1580–1585. The theatre was the final design by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and was not completed until after his death. The trompe-l'œil onstage scenery, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, to give the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon, was installed in 1585…
Location: Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Matteotti, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: 9am-5pm Tue-Sun Sep-Jun, 10am-6pm Jul & Aug | Price: adult/reduced €11/8, or free with MuseumCard | Website | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Teatro Olimpico
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Villa Valmarana (Ai Nani)

Villa Valmarana Ai Nani Tiepolo Palazzina
Public Domain / Giulio Vallortigara Valmarana
Villa Valmarana ai Nani is a villa at the foot of the gates of the city of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. The main building was completed in 1670. It is noted for its frescos by Giambattista and Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo and stone sculptures of dwarves named "Nani". The villa is named Villa Valmarana ai Nani therein to differentiate it from other…
Location: Villa Valmarana ai Nani, Via dei Nani, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: 10am-6pm Mar-Oct | Price: adult/reduced €10/6 | Website | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Villa Valmarana (Ai Nani)

Villa La Rotonda

Villa La Rotonda
CC BY-SA 2.0 / GDelhey
Villa La Rotonda is a Renaissance villa just outside Vicenza in northern Italy designed by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The villa's correct name is Villa Almerico Capra Valmarana, but it is also known as "La Rotonda", "Villa Rotonda", "Villa Capra", and "Villa Almerico Capra". The name Capra derives from the Capra brothers, who completed the building after it was…
Location: Villa la Rotonda, Via della Rotonda, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy | Hours: villa 10am-noon & 3-6pm Wed & Sat mid-Mar–mid-Nov, gardens 10am-noon & 3-6pm Tue-Sun year-round | Price: adult/child villa & gardens €10/5, gardens €5/free | Distance: 2.5km
Visiting Villa La Rotonda

Best Day Trips from Vicenza

A day trip from Vicenza offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Vicenza provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Padova

Padova Italy
Padova or in English Padua is a city in North Eastern Italy, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located centrally in the Veneto region, between Venice on one side and Verona on the other. Famous as the backdrop for Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," Padua is particularly distinguished for its 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel…
Visiting Padova
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Verona

Verona Skyline
Verona stands out in the Veneto region, rivalling even Venice in its abundance of Roman sites and picturesque streets adorned with pink-hued medieval buildings. This laid-back city offers a wealth of attractions, surpassing other places in the region in terms of sheer sights. While the city's allure extends beyond tourism, drawing strength from its economic success as a pivotal crossroads.…
Visiting Verona
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Venice

Venice Rialta Bridge
Venice is one of Italy’s most picturesque cities. Beautiful floating palaces of stone surrounded by an ancient network of canals, built on a group of 118 islands and these small islands are linked with 400 bridges. These islands are located in the Venetian Lagoon, which sits just off of the mainland of Italy. With its Gothic architecture, Renaissance and Baroque buildings,…
Visiting Venice
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Ferrara

Ferrara
Ferrara is a city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, situated near the eastern Adriatic coast and positioned at the top of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. This charming city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a period of three centuries, Ferrara was under the rule of the Este family, whose Renaissance court was renowned as one of…
Visiting Ferrara
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Brescia

Brescia
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luca Giarelli
Brescia, nestled in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy, is a city that balances industrial might with a rich cultural heritage. Located at the foot of the Alps and close to both Lago di Garda and Lago d’Iseo, it serves as both a vibrant urban hub and a gateway to some of northern Italy’s most scenic landscapes. While it’s…
Visiting Brescia
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Modena

Piazza Grande A Modena
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Albypino
Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, Modena is renowned for its delectable cuisine, a reputation rooted in its barrel-aged balsamic vinegar and exquisite cheeses. Culinary enthusiasts journey to this medieval city to savor tastes that embody the region's unique flavors. Yet, the city's allure goes beyond its gastronomic delights. Its center, a captivating blend of…
Visiting Modena
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Bologna

Bologna
Bologna, a captivating city, holds the distinction of being the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned by many Italians as the second most beautiful city after Venice, it boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Bologna's charm lies in its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle, accompanied by a warm and lively ambiance. Its historic center, one of…
Visiting Bologna
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Parma

Parma
Parma's early history as a Roman colony along the Via Aemilia has left little visible trace in the city today. The province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna is known for its grand palaces, elegant squares, and its role as the seat of the powerful Farnese dukes. The city also bears a French legacy due to its ownership by Napoleon's wife, Marie…
Visiting Parma
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Ravenna

Ravenna
Situated on the eastern coast of Italy, nestled between San Marino and Bologna, Ravenna serves as the capital of the Ravenna province and stands as one of the larger cities in the Emilia-Romagna region. Throughout its illustrious history, Ravenna has held a position of great importance under various empires, including serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and…
Visiting Ravenna
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Udine

Udine Italy
Visiting Udine, located in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, offers a journey through a city rich in history, art, and culture. Udine is known for its charming old town, where Venetian influence is evident in its architecture and layout. The city’s centerpiece is the stunning Piazza della Libertà, often referred to as the most beautiful square in…
Visiting Udine
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Where to Stay in Vicenza

Vicenza offers a variety of neighborhoods and accommodations to suit different travel preferences, from historic charm to modern convenience.

For those seeking a blend of modern amenities and proximity to the city center, the area near the train station is ideal. Here, you’ll find Hotel Campo Marzio, which offers comfortable rooms just a short walk from the historic district. Another option is SHG Hotel De La Ville, known for its contemporary design and convenient location for business travelers.

If you prefer a more tranquil setting, the Monte Berico area provides panoramic views of the city and a peaceful atmosphere. GHV Hotel offers a relaxing stay with wellness facilities, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind.

For visitors interested in exploring the outskirts of Vicenza, the San Lazzaro district is a family-friendly area with modern accommodations. Hotel Victoria features spacious rooms and a seasonal outdoor pool, catering to travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

Each of these areas provides unique experiences, allowing visitors to choose accommodations that best fit their travel needs while enjoying the rich culture and history that Vicenza has to offer.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Vicenza. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Vicenza Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Vicenza

Vicenza in Spring: March to May (Best)

Spring is the best time to visit Vicenza. The city shakes off the winter chill with blossoming gardens, mild temperatures ranging from 12°C in March to around 22°C in May, and a relaxed pace perfect for sightseeing. This is the ideal season for exploring Palladian villas and strolling through the historic center without the heat or heavy crowds. Cultural life begins to pick up, and one of the seasonal highlights is Vicenza Jazz Festival, held in May, attracting international artists and filling the city’s piazzas, theaters, and bars with live music. The pleasant weather and cultural vibrancy make spring especially rewarding.

Vicenza in Summer: June to August

Summer in Vicenza is warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures often reaching above 30°C in July and August. While this is a good time for outdoor events and long daylight hours, the heat can be intense in the afternoon, and some smaller shops or restaurants may close for part of August. However, summer is also when Vicenza’s surroundings—like the Berici Hills and nearby vineyards—are most inviting for scenic drives or day trips. Classical music concerts and local food festivals in nearby villages often complement the city’s quieter summer rhythm.

Vicenza in Autumn: September to November

Autumn in Vicenza offers cooler weather, golden foliage, and a quieter atmosphere. Temperatures gradually drop from the mid-20s in September to around 10°C by November. September is an especially nice time to visit, combining warm days with thinner crowds. This season also brings Festa dei Oto, Vicenza’s most important religious and civic celebration, held in early September in honor of the Madonna of Monte Berico. The event includes fireworks, fairs, and processions. Autumn is perfect for enjoying local wines and seasonal dishes in a relaxed and authentic setting.

Vicenza in Winter: December to February

Winter in Vicenza is calm and reflective, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 8°C. Snow is rare but not impossible, and the city’s Renaissance facades take on a peaceful charm under the soft winter light. December features festive Christmas markets and nativity scenes in Piazza dei Signori, creating a warm holiday atmosphere. While the city is quieter in January and February, it’s an excellent time for museum visits and enjoying Vicenza’s cultural heritage without the crowds. Winter is best for those seeking a slower, more intimate experience of the city.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 8°C
  • February 11°C
  • March 15°C
  • April 19°C
  • May 22°C
  • June 28°C
  • July 31°C
  • August 29°C
  • September 26°C
  • October 21°C
  • November 12°C
  • December 8°C

How to get to Vicenza

Travelling to Vicenza by Air: The most convenient airport for reaching Vicenza is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), offering excellent connectivity to major international airports. International travellers find it a preferred gateway. From the airport, convenient train or bus options are available for the 1.5 to 2-hour journey to Vicenza. Verona Airport (VRN), approximately 60 kilometres from Vicenza, is also a viable alternative.

Travelling to Vicenza by Train: Italy’s efficient and extensive railway network extends to Vicenza, served by the prominent Vicenza railway station along the Venice-Milan railway line. Seamless connections are available from cities such as Venice, Verona, Milan, and Florence. The train journey promises scenic views of the Italian countryside, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Travelling to Vicenza by Car: For those seeking flexibility and a desire to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace, renting a car proves to be an excellent choice. Vicenza enjoys a well-connected position within Italy’s highway system, with the A4 motorway providing convenient access to the city. However, parking in the city centre can be challenging, prompting the recommendation to park in designated areas and utilize public transportation within Vicenza. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

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