The city of Vincenza is a wonderful introduction to the important work of the acclaimed 16th century architect, Andrea Palladio who transformed public buildings and homes by incorporating key elements of ancient Roman architecture.  The Villa Rotonda is noted for the elegance of its symmetrical forms.  Another not to be missed site is the Teatro Olimpico begun by Palladio and finished by his student, Vincenzo Scamozzi after his death.  Built mostly of wood and plaster, it was painted to resemble marble and contains an auditorium which suggests the theatres of ancient Greece and Rome. Palladio’s influence is prevalent in many public buildings in London and such American sites as Monticello.

The easiest way to see Vicenza is to ask the concierge to arrange for a driver and combine the visit with a trip to Padua and the Palladian villas along the Brenta canal.

The 16th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, incorporated key elements of the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture into a series of  private villas that he built for his wealthy patrons in the Veneto.  Several of the villas, including the Villa Foscari or Malcontenta, are located on the Brenta Canal and others, including the Villa Capra or La Rotonda, are in Vicenza.  Palladian architecture has had a lasting influence which can be seen in public buildings in London and such key American sites as Monticello.

The easiest way to see the villas is to ask the concierge to arrange for a driver and combine the visit with a trip to Padua and Vincenza.

The Scrovegni Chapel built in 1303 contains the incomparable frescoes of scenes from the life of Christ by the master Florentine artist Giotto.  These frescoes break with the Byzantine style of painting which had long been dominant in Western art and brought a new naturalism and narrative to the art.

The easiest way to see the Chapel is to ask the concierge to arrange for a driver and combine the visit with a trip to the Palladian Villas along the Brenta Canal and the city of Vincenza.