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Piazza dei Signori is the main square in the historic city center of Vicenza, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city.
Palladian
The most impressive building on the square is the Palladian Basilica (Basilica Palladiana). Originally known as the Palazzo della Ragione, it was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century and served as Vicenza’s seat of government.
In 1546, Andrea Palladio was chosen to reconstruct the building. Work started in 1549 and didn’t finish until 1614. He added an outer shell of marble and a loggia, which hid the original Gothic architecture. He also called the building a “basilica” after ancient Roman civic buildings. The Palladian Basilica is one of Palladio’s most important works.
The building today is used for exhibitions and is also the home of the Jewelry Museum (Museo del Gioiello) as well as shops and restaurants.
Bissara Tower
Next to the Palladian Basilica is the Bissara Tower (Torre Bissara). This clock tower is 82m tall and dates back to 1174. It used to be much shorter but in the mid-15th century it was raised to its current height.
On March 18, 1945, the tower was hit by Allied bombs. The top caught on fire and the dome crashed to the ground. It was reconstructed but not to its original form.
The tower features a clock, a relief of the Lion of St. Mark, and bells that sound on the hour and half hour. A special melody plays on the ninth hour.
Palazzo del Capitaniato
The Palazzo del Capitaniato is another building by Palladio. It sits opposite the Palladian Basilica and is also known as the Captain’s Lodge (Loggia del Capitanio). It was designed in 1565 as the official residence of the Venetian Captain, the military leader of the city representing the Republic of Venice. Construction was carried out between 1571 and 1572. It’s now used by the town council.
Church of San Vincenzo
The Church of San Vincenzo (Chiesa di San Vincenzo) was built between 1385 and 1707. It was designed by Italian architects Pietro and Paolo Bonin. The façade was constructed between 1614 and 1617 and is topped by a frieze and statues by Giovanni Battista Albanese.
Palazzo of the Mount of Piety
The church is flanked on both sides by the Palazzo of the Mount of Piety (Palazzo del Monte di Pietà). It officially opened on June 12, 1486, as the home of the Mount of Piety (Monte di Pietà), a pawnbroker run as a charity. The façade is 72m long and broken only by the Church of San Vincenzo. It used to have frescoes of biblical scenes on the front but they’re almost completely faded away. The building still houses the Mount of Piety as well as shops, offices, and restaurants.
Columns
In the center of Piazza dei Signori are two columns. One is topped with the Lion of Saint Mark, a reminder of Venetian dominance over Vicenza. The other features a statue of the Redeemer (Il Redentore).
Piazzetta Palladio
There are a few squares attached to Piazza dei Signori. On the west side of the Basilica Palladiana is Piazzetta Palladio, which has a statue of Andrea Palladio in the center.
Piazza delle Biade
East of Piazza dei Signori is another square, Piazza delle Biade. It’s surrounded by colorful buildings with restaurants and cafés on the ground floor.
On one side is the Municipality of Vicenza Heritage Office (Comune di Vicenza Ufficio Patrimonio). On the other side is the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi (Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Servi), built in the early 15th century.
Piazza delle Erbe
South of the Palladian Basilica is a more peaceful square, Piazza delle Erbe, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
In the center is the Girone Tower (Torre del Girone), built in the 12th century by the Carnaroli family. From the mid-17th century to the late 19th century, it was used as a prison. This gained it another name, the Tower of Torment (Torre del Tormento). It’s connected to the Palladian Basilica by an arch.
Piazza dei Signori at Christmas
Finally, Piazza dei Signori is a great place to see at Christmas. Lights are strung from the Bissara Tower and there’s a Christmas tree at one end.
