Coat of arms of the city
You can see the location of the city in relation to other Italian cities at the following link.
The city of Vicenza is located in the Italian region of Veneto and is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is medium in size and has a population of about 120 thousand people. It is located only 60 km. from Venice and 200 km. from Milan. The Baciglione River runs through the city.
Description: Panoramic view of famous Basilica Palladiana (Palazzo della Ragione) /picture source: Shutterstock.com/;
The place where Vicenza stands today was first inhabited thousands of years ago. Remains of the Roman city can be seen. Later, after numerous barbarian invasions that proved devastating to this part of Italy, the city rose to prominence under the rule of various great powers. For several centuries it was ruled by Venice, then by Napoleon, and after him by the Austrians. In 1866 Vicenza became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Vicenza flourished during the Venetian rule over the city, which is evidenced by numerous architectural monuments preserved to this day. The face of Vicenza, which owes above all to the work of the influential 16th century architect Andrea Palladio, earned the city recognition by UNESCO. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. After Palladio, Vicenza became known mostly for its flourishing trade in precious metals, which is why it acquired the nickname “City of Gold”.
Today, Vicenza is a thriving cosmopolitan city. Its rich cultural and historical heritage make it a preferred destination for tourists. It is a modern and wealthy city and a leading industrial center. Its economy is concentrated mostly in the production of microchips and in the gold industry, which supplies the whole of Italy with a fifth of its total jewelry production.
Also called “The City of Palladio”, it’s no surprise that Vicenza’s most famous landmarks are those designed by the famous architect. He arrived in Vicenza in 1524 and over a period of 60 years turned the small town into a large construction site. Years later, even the famous writer Goethe, passing through the city, was amazed by the masterful hands of the architect.
After the creations of Palladio is the Basilica “Palladiana”, located in the central square in Vicenza “Piazza dei Signori”. The original construction dates back to the 15th century and was known as the “Palazzo della Reggione”, which housed the city’s administration until the 16th century. The most remarkable thing in the basilica is the loggia, which gives an idea of the so-called a window by Palladio, whose works had a significant influence on architecture during the Renaissance. Today, a number of exhibitions and public events are organized in the building.
Another creation of the architect, who marked the image of Vicenza, is the Teatro Olimpico. Begun in 1580, the year of his death, and completed five years later by his pupil Vicenzo Scamosi, the Teatro Olimpico was inspired by the theaters of antiquity, with a backdrop representing ancient Thebes. The stage has been cleverly designed to appear much larger than its actual dimensions – 5.20 m. The first theatrical performance was performed here in 1585 and there are still performances here.
Pictured: Teatro Olimpico /source: Shutterstock/;
2 columns rise in Piazza dei Signori. They were built at different times. The column with the lion, which symbolizes the Republic of Venice, was built first. A century later, the second column was built, erected in honor of Vicenza and the inhabitants of the city.
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