After checking into our hotel in Padova, we did a day trip by train to nearby Vicenza and saw the gorgeous Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater). It opened in March 1585 and still has performances (notably classical music and jazz). Gorgeous murals and an over-the-top auditorium were the highlights. The 3D street scenes you see built on stage are intended to be a replica of the streets of Thebes! This building is the last work of famed Renaissance 16th Century architect Andres Palladio. The perspective scenery was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi. Amazing!
This is the Museo Civico Palazzo Chiericati. The building was designed in 1550 for Girolamo Chiericati and is considered one of Andrea Palladio's architectural masterpieces. It is embellished with frescos and stucco. The Municipality di Vicenza bought it from the noble Chiericati family in 1839 to house the city’s art collection.
The palazzo's principal façade is composed of three bays, the central bay projecting slightly. Both end bays have logge on the piano nobile level, while the central bay is closed. The façade has two superimposed orders of columns, Doric on the lower and Ionic on the upper. The roofline is decorated by statuary.
While we were there, Vicenza was hosting an exhibition of sculptures by Salvador Dail. We managed to track down four pieces. Dalí was a leading proponent of Surrealism, the 20th Century avant-garde movement that sought to release creative potentials of the unconscious through strange, dream-like imagery.
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The Basilica Palladiana on the Piazza dei Signori was designed by Andrea Palladio when he was a young architect. It was a redesign of the city's aged palace of justice. Palladio replaced its Gothic style with the Neo-Greek style for which he became famous. The first floor is now used for exhibitions and events. A 13th Century tower rises 270' above the Piazza.
Welcome Itinerary Padova Ravenna Montefalco Assisi San Pietro a Pettine Deruta Orvieto Civita di Bagnoregio Chianciano Terme Tuscany Siena
San Gimignano Florence American Cemetery Lucca Carrara
Cinque Terre/Levanto Orta San Guilio
How far did we walk? FAQ Tips for Italian Travel Gelato Arrivederci
San Gimignano Florence American Cemetery Lucca Carrara
Cinque Terre/Levanto Orta San Guilio
How far did we walk? FAQ Tips for Italian Travel Gelato Arrivederci