Things to see in Vicenza – page 2

Vicenza is a medium-sized city in Veneto, in northeastern Italy, and the capital of the namesake province. The city and the surrounding countryside and hills are particularly famous for the many works, and particularly the villas, by Andrea Palladio; a group of Palladio buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Landmarks: Basilica Palladiana (Palazzo della Ragione). Despite its name, the Basilica has always been a civic, rather than religious, building, housing the local government. It became famous for its extensive and long-lasting (1549-1617) redesign and reconstruction by the local architect Andrea Palladio, who added a renaissance outer shell to the partially collapsed Gothic original structure. Being his first large-scale work, it provided the income and recognition needed for him to become the famous name throughout the region, Italy and the world. Palladio called the redesigned civic building basilica per Roman tradition, and also posthumously lent his name as a descriptive adjective. Adjoining the building still is the old and leaning clock tower constructed and reconstructed between the 11th and 15th centuries. Loggia del Capitanio. Right in front of Basilica Palladiana on Piazza dei Signori. Also made by Palladio around 1571, but in red brick without any stucco. Built later in Palladio's career, this building's Neoclassical style stands in great juxtaposition to the Basilica across it and is a testament to Palladio's artistic development.