Vicenza might be smaller than its neighboring city Venice, but it’s the perfect place to experience perfect Italian culture away from the crowds. With a rental car, you can set your own pace to make the most of your time in the Veneto region, whether you’re planning to explore Vicenza, Venice or beyond.
Palladian highlights
Vicenza’s biggest claim to fame is its connection to the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, who created many of the city’s most extraordinary buildings during the 16th century.
The story goes that a Vincenzan nobleman sent him to Rome to study some of the world’s most iconic architecture. One of the best examples of his work is the Basilica Palladiana, which can be found on the Piazza dei Signori.
Based on the design of a Roman basilica, this building features an early example of what later became known as the Palladian Window. Once used as a law court, today the building houses art exhibitions as well as Vicenza’s jewelry museum.
Palladio’s last masterpiece, the Teatro Olimpico, can be found just a short distance away from the basilica. This was the architect’s final project, begun in 1580 and not completed until after his death.
Step inside and you’ll see the incredible stage that includes wooden scenery resembling the streets of ancient Greece. The venue is still in use today, with performances taking place during the Vicenza Jazz festival and classical music concerts scheduled through the spring and fall.
City gems
The Teatro Olimpico lies at one end of Vicenza’s main street, the Corso Andrea Palladio. This street is home to an array of buildings designed by Palladio or based on his works. As well as its beautiful architecture, it’s also one of the city’s main shopping areas with a great selection of stores and several cafés and restaurants.
At the other end of the Corso Andrea Palladio you’ll find Palazzo Chiericati, a former palace sporting impressive marble columns and statues that today houses Vicenza’s Civic Museum and art gallery.
With a rental car, you can drive just a short distance outside Vicenza to see one of its most recognizable sights, La Rotonda. This Renaissance villa was first designed as a home for a retired Vatican priest.
Its impressive external structure with distinctive dome and columns houses an ornate interior filled with frescoes and historic artworks that allow you to walk through centuries of Vicenzan life.
La Serenissima
Renting a car in Vicenza also means you’ll have the freedom to explore the neighboring city of Venice, a must-see for any visitor to this part of Italy. Built on a series of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, one of the best ways to see its main sights is to take a gondola along its iconic canals.
Top of the itinerary for a day in Venice should be a visit to the Piazza San Marco, or St Mark’s Square, right at the heart of the city where you’ll find its most famous attraction, the Basilica di San Marco.
Car rental in Vicenza is your ticket to exploring the best of this delightful Italian city and more of the country beyond. Reserve your rental car online now.