Vicenza

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!

s1050583-copy

s1050584-copy

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

s1050585-copyThe grand Basilica di Monte Berico has three Baroque façades

s1050586-copys1050593-copy

s1050591-copys1050592-copy

From Piazzale della Vittoria, by the church, there is a panoramic view over Vicenza and to the mountains beyond (the edge of the Dolomites)

s1050587-copy

s1050588-copy

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

s1050589-copy

At the bottom of the arcade

s1050594-copy

River Retrone

s1050595-copy

s1050596-copyAndrea 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

s1050597-copy

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)

s1050598-copy

s1050602-copy

Opposite is Loggia del Capitaniato, by Palladio, 1571

s1050599-copy Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, with Chiesa di S Vincenzo (church) in the centre (15th to 17th century)

s1050601-copy Santa Maria in Foro was started in the early 15th century. The façade is one of Palladio’s earliest works

s1050603-copyPiazza dei Signori, two columns 15th and 17th century

s1050604-copy

s1050605-copy

s1050606-copyPiazza Matteoti

s1050608-copyPalazzo Chiericati, 1550 by Palladio – now a museum and art gallery

s1050609-copyChurch of Santa Corona, built in 1261

s1050610-copy

Palazzo Iseppo da Porto, 1552 by Palladio

s1050611-copy

Contrà Porti

s1050612-copy

Contrà Porti

s1050613-copyPalazzo Barbaran da Porto, 16th century

s1050614-copyContrà Porti

s1050615-copy

s1050616-copy

s1050617-copy

s1050618-copy

s1050619-copyPalazzo Valmarana Braga, 1565 – 1566, by Palladio

s1050620-copy

s1050621-copy

Piazza Duomo

s1050623-copy

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunciata – built 1482 to 1560s, dome designed by Palladio. The façade survived WW2 but the rest has been rebuilt

s1050624-copys1050622-copy

s1050625-copy

s1050627-copy

s1050628-copyGiardino Salvi – a shady park, with statues and the Palladian Loggia Valmarana reflecting in the water

s1050630-copy

s1050631-copy

A rather grand Spar supermarket

s1050632-copy

The Basilica di Santa Maria di Monte Berico on the hill, that we visited this morning

s1050633-copyReturn 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)

 

All images on the website copyright of HettyHikes.co.uk

Back to top