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Nobody had a bigger influence on the appearance of Vicenza than Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). He was an artist of architecture and Vicenza was his canvas. With 23 buildings attributed to him, the Renaissance architect is responsible for making the city a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This entry includes the buildings I visited in the historic city center of Vicenza designed by Palladio except for the ones at Piazza dei Signori, Church of Santa Corona, Olympic Theatre, and La Rotonda. It’s not a complete list of his works in the city, and the buildings are listed in the order of my visit. I won’t go over architectural details.
Loggia Valmarana
Loggia Valmarana is located at Salvi Gardens (Giardini Salvi). This small loggia with six Doric columns may not have been designed by Palladio but it’s included in the UNESCO list nonetheless.
Palazzo Valmarana Braga Rosa
Palazzo Valmarana Braga Rosa was built in 1566 for Isabella Nogarola Valmarana. The road is very narrow and it’s difficult to see the building, but Palladio was able to compensate for this.
Palazzo Pojana
Palazzo Pojana (also Poiana) was built either 1540 or 1560 for Vincenzo Pojana. It’s in the middle of Corso Palladio and is used as a residential and commercial building.
Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare
On Piazza del Castello is Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare. Palladio designed the building in 1572 but it wasn’t built until after his death. Construction was carried out under Vincenzo Scamozzi (1548-1616) in the 1580s for Francesco Thiene. Today, the building is the home of the Vicenza Industrialist Association.
Palazzo Porto Breganze
On the other end of Piazza del Castello is Palazzo Porto Breganze, which was built for Alessandro Porto after 1571. Scamozzi completed the structure after Palladio’s death. Only two of the originally planned seven bays were built, but nobody knows why the building was never finished.
Duomo of Vicenza
The Duomo of Vicenza (Duomo di Vicenza), also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata), was built between 1482 and the 1560s. The copula was designed by Palladio. Unfortunately, the church was closed when we passed by.
Interestingly, the bell tower of the Duomo is detached from the rest of the church. It dates back to the 12th century and was built on a stone base from the 10th century.
Palazzo Chiericati
Palazzo Chiericati was built in 1550 for Girolamo Chiericati and wasn’t finished until around 1680. Since 1855, it has been the home of the Civic Art Gallery. Admission is €7 for adults, €5 for students aged 18-25, and free for children up to 17 or holders of a a Biglietto Unico (as of August 2024).
Palazzo Iseppo da Porto
Palazzo Iseppo da Porto was built in 1544 for the newlywed nobleman Iseppo da Porto. It was built right before Palladio became a household name in Vicenza.
Palazzo Thiene
Just down the street is the Palazzo Thiene, built by Iseppo da Porto’s brothers-in-law Adriano and Marcantonio Thiene. It was originally designed by Giulio Romano in 1542 and revised by Palladio during construction in 1544. The building was purchased by the People’s Bank of Vicenza (Banca Popolare di Vicenza) in 1872 to be its headquarters. Since September 6, 2021, it has been owned by the City of Vicenza and hosts the Galleries of Palazzo Thiene (Gallerie di Palazzo Thiene). Admission is €5 for adults, €3 for students aged 18-25, and free for children up to 17 or holders of a a Biglietto Unico (as of August 2024). It’s open Thursday through Sunday.
Palazzo Barbaran da Porto
Palazzo Barbaran da Porto was built between 1570 and 1575 for Montano Barbarano. It’s now the home of the Palladio Museum. Admission is €8 for adults, €6 for visitors aged 6-25 and over 60, and free for children under 6 or holders of a Biglietto Unico (as of August 2024). It’s open Wednesday through Sunday.
Palazzo Civena Trissino
Palazzo Civena Trissino was the very first palace built by Palladio in Vicenza. It was built for the Civena brothers in 1540 and has undergone significant changes since then. The building was almost destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. Today, it’s partially used as a private hospital.
