Visiting the surrounding area

A stroll through the historic centre
The historic centre of Vicenza is in the central part of the city, delimited between the 10th and 13th centuries by the first city walls.

SALVI GARDENS
The Salvi Gardens are the ideal starting point for an itinerary to explore the city: they open before the museums (7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), are located near a bus stop and 500 metres from the railway station. The Gardens are located at the entrance to the street leading to the centre. In the Summer they are a treat because they are surrounded by centuries-old trees. Inside the gardens there is a small lake with a historic villa called "Loggia Valmarana".

CASTLE SQUARE
The city's pedestrian street starts from Piazza Castello, where the famous Torrione was built in the 12th century. After five centuries the Torrione became public property once again. After buying it at auction, the collector Antonio Coppola sold the bare ownership of the imposing building to the Municipality of Vicenza. The Coppola Foundation uses it as a centre for contemporary art, guaranteeing its management and maintenance.

PIAZZA SAN LORENZO
Piazza San Lorenzo is one of the main squares in the historic centre of Vicenza, which features a Temple built from 1280 onwards: the fifteenth-century cloister in Renaissance style is very impressive.

It can be visited every day from 7:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 19:00. Entrance is free.

PALLADIO COURSE
This is the main street of the city, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings and shops. There is always something beautiful and interesting to see, from the capitals, to the lace, to the colonnade.

PALLADIAN BASILICA
The Basilica Palladiana, renowned for its serliana loggia designed by the great architect Andrea Palladio, is the symbol of the city. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Inside it hosts numerous art exhibitions. During the summer you can go up to the terrace and enjoy an aperitif while watching the sunset over the city.

OLYMPIC THEATRE
The Olimpic Theatre, located in Piazza Matteotti, is a unique sight. It was designed by Andrea Palladio, who would never see it finished as he died before the work was completed. It was inaugurated on 3rd March 1585 and its design was inspired by the Greek and Roman theatres of antiquity. The theatre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is open Tuesday to Sunday from September to June from 9:00 to 17:00, and during July and August from 10:00 to 18:00. The full ticket costs 11 euros, reduced ticket 8 euros and is free for children under 18 years.

CHIERICATI PALACE
With its splendid picture gallery, it offers visitors a vast collection not only of paintings but also prints, statues and numismatics. This palace, like many others designed by Andrea Palladio, was originally intended as a noble residence. Palazzo Chiericati is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

QUERINI PARK
Querini Park  is Vicenza's main green spot. Originally private, it is now a large park with splendid wildlife, including bunnies, geese, turtles, hens and ducklings. It is very popular with the locals: there are joggers and walkers, and mothers and their children sitting on the lawn. A stop here is ideal for relaxing a little after visiting the museums.

It is open every day:
November - February from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
May - August from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
September - October from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free admission.