North-east Italy
September 14th 2016 Photos by Hetty
Vicenza is a lovely city that was founded in the 2nd century BC, and is include in the UNESCO heritage list, due to its fine architecture.
First we went to Monte Berico. Not far from the railway station is the start of this arcade, built in 1746 – when you get to the ‘end’ it turns the corner and continues up the hill – it is 700 m long!
The Basilica di Santa Maria di Monte Berico originated in the 15th century. The Baroque church built 1688 to 1703, replaced the original one, and the bell tower was built 1825 to 1852
The grand Basilica di Monte Berico has three Baroque façades
From Piazzale della Vittoria, by the church, there is a panoramic view over Vicenza and to the mountains beyond (the edge of the Dolomites)
This is the historic centre – we will walk down there next: On the left is the cathedral; on the right is the Basilica Palladiana by the tall tower
At the bottom of the arcade
River Retrone
Andrea Di Pietro della Gondola (1508–80) started as a stonemason – he was known as Andrea Palladio and he was the creator of Palladian architecture. He was born in Padova (Padua) then came to Vicenza, where he designed many buildings. He designed many villas in the Veneto area, and influenced many other architects
Piazza dei Signori
Basilica Palladiana or “Palazzo della Ragione” – the town’s medieval law courts, with an imposing later facade by Palladio, and Torre di Piazza (1549-1617)
Opposite is Loggia del Capitaniato, by Palladio, 1571
Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, with Chiesa di S Vincenzo (church) in the centre (15th to 17th century)
Santa Maria in Foro was started in the early 15th century. The façade is one of Palladio’s earliest works
Piazza dei Signori, two columns 15th and 17th century
Piazza Matteoti
Palazzo Chiericati, 1550 by Palladio – now a museum and art gallery
Church of Santa Corona, built in 1261
Palazzo Iseppo da Porto, 1552 by Palladio
Contrà Porti
Contrà Porti
Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, 16th century
Contrà Porti
Palazzo Valmarana Braga, 1565 – 1566, by Palladio
Piazza Duomo
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunciata – built 1482 to 1560s, dome designed by Palladio. The façade survived WW2 but the rest has been rebuilt
Giardino Salvi – a shady park, with statues and the Palladian Loggia Valmarana reflecting in the water
A rather grand Spar supermarket
The Basilica di Santa Maria di Monte Berico on the hill, that we visited this morning
Return to introduction to choose more places to see
Trip details (if you are planning a visit – check times):
Train – Latisana (10.13) to Venezia Mestre (11.08)
Venezia Mestre (11.24) to Vicenza (11.57) (Earlier train more expensive)
Train – Vicenza (17.02) to Venezia Mestre (17.36)
Venezia Mestre (17.53) to Latisana (18.47)