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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
Get immersed in the enchanting world of Renaissance architecture in Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage Ensemble characterized by a vibrant culture of which you can have a feel at the atmospheric Lords' Square, the rich history etching the Castle Portal- the remains of the 14th-century city walls, Bissara Tower - one of the tallest medieval bell towers in Italy, and the mysterious Tower of Torment from the 12th century, as well as numerous architectural gems left by Andrea Palladio, one of the world’s most influential architects who resided in Vicenza most of his life, including Olympic Theatre - the first permanent indoor theatre in Europe and the most emblematic icon of the city, Palladian Basilica.
What's included
Official Tour Guide
Private Guided Tour exclusively for you
Entrance fee: Palladio Basilica - € 2 per person
Entrance fee: Chiericati Palace - € 2 per person
Hotel pick-up using private or public transportation
What to expect
Torre Bissara
10m
The tour starts at the western entrance of the Old Town, the 12th-century Castle Tower. Walking through the gate at the foot of the crenelated tower gives you an idea of how incredibly thick the 14th-century defensive city walls of Vicenza would be.
Villa La Rotonda by Andrea Palladio - World Heritage Site
15m
The portal opens to the charming street of Andrea Palladio Course, named after the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, one of the world’s most influential architects who left behind the UNESCO ensemble of "City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto". Elegant boutiques nestling under antique porticoes alternating with medieval buildings elevate window shopping on the street to an art and a journey through time.
20m · Admission ticket not included
At its eastern end stands the 16th-century Chiericati Palace, an early milestone in Palladio’s career which boasts a magnificent loggia which, together with those of his other works, gave the architect a well-established trademark.
Pass by
Proceed to marvel at the Olympic Theatre nearby, the first permanent indoor theatre in Europe, and its beautiful landscaped garden. The final work by Palladio is now one of the only three Renaissance theatres in Italy.
Piazza Dei Signori
10m
The next destination of the tour is Lords' Square. The atmospheric square home to the most emblematic historic monuments of the city is the favorite hangout for tourists and locals alike with numerous delightful cafés and restaurants dotted around.
20m · Admission ticket not included
The highlight of all is Palladio Basilica, dominating the charming square with its magnificent loggia in the characteristic “Palladian window” style. The striking Renaissance building was the seat of government despite its name which actually came from Palladio’s idea of remodeling the originally Gothic palace on a Roman basilica.
Torre Bissara
15m
Right next to the white palace is Bissara Tower, one of the tallest bell towers in Italy. For centuries, the 12th-century clock on the table has read time for the whole city with its lovely melody.
15m
Across the square stands another great work of Palladio, Loggia of the Captain. The exquisite carvings that celebrate the victory of Venice in the Battle of Lepanto on the façade of the striking reddish structure make it stand out beside the opposite white palace and offer a testimony to the indelible influence of the Venetian Republic in Vicenza in the Middle Ages.
15m
Finally, go round to the back of the basilica where the 12th-century Tower of Torment hides. Once serving as a barbaric prison surrounded by a moat, the historic monument provides you with not only a glimpse into the turbulent medieval history of Vicenza but also a chance to take a break at lovely cozy eateries nestling at its foot.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
At the Fountain of the Winged Horses, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
End point
At the Tower of Torment.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
