Vicenza Private Historic Walking Tour
- 2 hours
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
- Private tour
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Official Tour Guide
- Private Guided Tour exclusively for you
What's not
- Entrance fee: Palladio Basilica - € 2 per person
- Entrance fee: Chiericati Palace - € 2 per person
- Hotel pick-up using private or public transportation
Itinerary
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.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- At the Fountain of the Winged Horses, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- BlackBuck Travels
- 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
How it compares in Vicenza
- Its from-price is 500% above the median of the 47 experiences we list in Vicenza.
- Its length is typical for the group.
About Vicenza
Vicenza is a Veneto city shaped by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, with arcaded palaces, a Palladian theatre and villas in the hills.
Vicenza lies between Verona and Padua, on the plain below the Berici hills, and its centre is a World Heritage site for the buildings Palladio designed in the sixteenth century. The Basilica Palladiana, with two storeys of arched loggias, overlooks the main square, Piazza dei Signori, and the palaces along Corso Palladio, such as Palazzo Thiene and Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, show how he adapted Roman ideas to the city.
