The Palladian Villas

The golden age of the province of Vicenza began around 1540, when the Venetian aristocrats redesigned the historic center and the surrounding countryside, entrusting the task to Andrea Pietro della Gondola, also known as Palladio. The task of the famous architect is to design the new residences owned by Venetian nobles in the Vicenza area and beyond.

The buildings built stand out for their elegance, their balance and perfect symmetry, in a continuous succession between modern and ancient. In a few years Andrea Palladio's works change the urban layout of the historic center of Vicenza and part of the surrounding landscape, thus creating extraordinary villas in the surrounding countryside.

The Palladian Villas were recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994, together with the historic center of Vicenza, thanks to the numerous interventions of the architect. Inspired by classical Roman architecture, it strongly influences the urban planning of the medieval city, bringing a touch of classical antiquity and Venetian Gothic style.

In the Palladian Villas, some functional aspects of land and field management emerge, embellished with monumental stairways, crowned by important pediments supported by large columns.

The Palladian villa was conceived from the ancient Roman villa, so that it is functional and later a place of delight, worship and beauty, so as to remove the idea of a medieval villa-castle, where the main purpose was mainly the defensive war .

◊ THE VICENZA PROVINCE ◊

It is one of the most industrialized and richest areas in Italy but, at the same time, still maintains many green and wild areas. You’ll beamazed by the charm of this city thanks to its Palladian villas, sumptuous palaces, the great green valleys that run throughout the territory, such as the Valsugana, and the great enchanted woods of the Seven Municipalities Plateau. Do not miss the typical towns of Vicenza, set in the territory as precious diamonds, which preserve works and typical products of the highest prestige. This province, famous for the nicknames about cats, will surprise you day by day for its artistic beauties scattered throughout the territory. Plan your holidays in the province of Vicenza, our tips and suggestive photographs will help you to take the right path for your trip.

◊ SPECIAL CATEGORIES ◊

The Veneto Region, nestled in the north-east of Italy, is a mix of history and traditions and, all of it, is enriched by the liveliness of its inhabitants and by a wide range of typical products all to be savored. From the highest peaks of the Dolomites, he embraces and welcomes each visitor with brotherly warmth, accommodating him among the many lounges of his cities of art, giving him unforgettable emotions. Turning between the pages of this site, you can organize your next holidays in the Veneto region and thanks to the many photos published, everything will be very simple.