We'll be seven nights in Veneto. Our focus is Palladio architecture, but are eager to enjoy other historic sites as well as accommodations in a pleasant, historic, easy-to-walk area. Seeking advice on where to book a hotel: Verona, Padua, or Vicenza. I realize Vicenza is more central, but want to make certain it'll be a pleasant place for a leisurely stay. All seven nights in one city, or perhaps split the stay into two towns? We'll be there mid-July. Any advice will be appreciated.
Thank you
We also went to the Veneto to visit the Palladian architecture, a wonderful trip. We stayed in tne hills above Vicenza and love that small city. Our other suggestion would be to stay in Bassano de Grappa which has an Alpine atmosphere, lots of history and the famous Palladian desined bridge over the river. We have been to Bassano twice and highly recommend it for your second location.
I would use pretty Vicenza as a base to visit the villas and also Bassano and the fortified citadel of....obviously Cittadella
I wouldn’t stay all seven nights in one location. We have enjoyed staying at Verona and Padova for several days, and just one full day & night at Vicenza. Beautiful countryside in that area with the villas. Others have given you good recommendations, too.
While you’re in Vicenza, we ate at the outdoor restaurant that had tables set underneath the large archway on Piazza del Signori that bisects the piazza. I had an amazing salad for lunch, and we stopped by for dinner and loved everything, especially the unusual tiramisu that was served in round “fishbowls” and had tiny slices of mango and lots of cream on top. The tiramisu was so wonderful, we probably would have stopped in for dessert if we stayed an extra night.
I enjoyed staying in Vicenza because of its convenience, proximity to all things
Palladio and ease of quick rail trips to Padova and Verona. I stayed at the Hotel Campo Marzio and had a unique dining experience at Righetti, a self service restaurant on the Piazza del Duomo.
If it is Palladio you are after then the sensible thing is to be at the centre of all things Palladio - in Vicenza. You'll be surrounded. Good coffee in Vicenza. Nice town.
You say that Palladian architecture is driving your visit, and so Vicenza is a good choice.
Something to consider is Palladian architecture in Venice, and that is an easy day trip from Vicenza. We visited the Foundation Georges Cini in Venice a couple of days ago, and it features a cloister by Palladio, and a stair by Longhena, and maybe these might interest you. Some info is here. https://www.theveniceinsider.com/san-giorgio-maggiore-worth-visit/
Also if architecture more generally your thing, the Venice Architecture Biennale will be happening in July.
I think that seven nights in one place is great. It gives you a chance to really get to know a place. We are just over half way through a ten night visit to Venice.
There is a Palladio museum in Vicenza, really worth a visit, and it helps one understand why there are Palladio influences in monumental buildings world wide.
Thanks for all your helpful replies. Although not an easy decision, we've settled on Vicenza. We spent a week in Venice last fall, with a pleasant day-trip up the Brenta Canal to Padua, whetting our appetite for a leisurely week in the Veneto region.
Will you have a car? Yes? If so I have a couple of little trips up my sleeve for you...
Nigel — We'll rent a car when it makes sense to do so, which we did for four of our six weeks in Italy last fall. So if you know of any outings not easily accessible by train or bus, please do make suggestions.
Definitely mirror what others have said; if Palladian architecture is your main goal, Vicenza is where you should stay. I live in the historic downtown and it seems like every time I take my morning or evening passaggiata I discover some new place to admire. There is also a self-guided tour to most of his more popular works in Centro, you will see the little stands all over with an accompanying map and descriptions.
Be warned that the Centro area is not very big which is great because it is easily explored on foot but you might find 7 days there a bit much, though there is definitely a lot more to Vicenza than meets Rick Steves' eye...
