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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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