The city of Vicenza , with a population of just over 100,000 inhabitants has one of the highest ratios of monumental buildings to population in Italy . First settled by the Romans, Vicenza is the official home of Palladian architecture and its city centre reflects the inspirational leadership of Vicenza 's most famous adopted son - Andrea Palladio.

Throughout the cities landscape there are numerous examples of the great architects works that include his Basilica that can be found in the main square of the city surrounded by equally important buildings of different ages and architectural styles in a setting that used to be the home to the ancient Roman forum of Vicenza .

In the adjacent back-streets running directly off Corso Palladio the main street of Vicenza you'll find numerous Palazzi ( Palaces) built by Palladio for the local Vicentine nobility. Buildings from later periods also reflect the influence of Palladio and his architecture, but as you make your way around Vicenza you'll see fine examples of Medieval architecture dating from the ninth century, as well as examples of other periods including fascist architecture from the last century.

While wandering around the enchanting streets of Vicenza you'll quickly realize that the wealth of modern day Vincentines is very much on display through the fine selections of shops that line the streets of the city. The main street of Corso Palladio is one of the most famous streets in the Veneto , and all of the famous Italian designers have stores along this popular thorough way.

The province of Vicenza is famous for its textile production, and the quality of these fabrics is reflected inflected in the goods for sale in the shop windows of Vicenza . Across from Palladio's Basilica in the main square of Vicenza is find a fine selection of 1,000's of fabrics for sale in the Tessuti shop.

Vicenza is also the centre for gold jewellery production in Italy . The province imports more gold than the rest of the country put together. Although, the manufacturers only deal with wholesale enquiries, you'll find examples of the high quality products produced in the area at jewellery stores located under the arches of Palladio's Basilica. In other parts of the city, you'll find designer clothes stores, antique vendors, fine galleries and numerous other interesting stores offering very unique products for sale.

Walking Tours of Vicenza

Day Tours of Palladian Villas

Day Tour of Vicenza & the Villa Rotonda

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