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Vicenza Photo By Vanefacciolo

Top 10 Fun Facts about Vicenza, Italy

Vicenza is a city in the Veneto region of northeast Italy. It’s known for the elegant building designed by the 16th-century architect Andrea Palazzo such as the Palladian Basilica, and Palazzo Chiericati among others. Vicenza was ruled by the Scaligers from 1311 until it passed to the Visconti in 1387 and it was passed to Venice in 1404.

It is approximately 60 kilometres west of Venice and 200 kilometres east of Milan. According to a 2008 report, Vicenza had an estimated population of 115,927. It is the third largest Italian industrial centre measured by the value of its exports. Vicenza is one of the country’s wealthiest cities.

It is important to note one-fifth of the country’s gold and jewelry is made in Vicenza which helps in the growth of the economy. Vicenza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. The economic and communications centre of its province, has engineering, food-processing, chemical, textile, and timber industries.

1. Get to Visit Basilica Palladiana

Basilica Palladiana is a religious building and one of the icons of Vicenza and takes pride in its place in the centre of the popular Piazza Dei Signori. It was constructed in the 15^th century and is one of the first types of a Renaissance structures to feature the Palladian Window design.

Inside the first floor of the basilica, there is a big open room with a high vaulted wooden ceiling and many arched windows. When you walk through the open arches you get a chance to admire the architecture up close.  The structure is truly impressive and attractive and is a jewel in the centre of Vicenza.

2. La Rotonda

La Rotonda is set on beautiful grounds and it was originally meant to be the home of a retired Vatican priest. It is located to the south of Vicenza about 15 minutes from the city centre. La Rotonda is one of the well-known and recognized buildings in the city.

The building has an amazing design and symmetry making it special, all four sides of the house have a portico that looks similar to the Pantheon in Rome. Inside the building, there are lavishly decorated rooms complete with beautiful frescos and ornate stucco plasterwork.

3. Attractive Museum (Museo Palladiano)

The museum is an attraction in Vicenza and a must-see when you visit. Within the Museum is a fantastic collection of artefacts and relics relating to the basilica. There is some detailed information about its history and construction as well and you can learn about the significance of the building and its renowned architect, Andrea Palladio.

4. Certain Foodstuffs and Items are Vicentini Specialties

Food Photo by Lily Banse

One fan fact about Vicenza is that it has its speciality foodstuffs and Item. These specialities foodstuffs and items include; Asiago cheese, Sopressa sausage, Nanto Truffles, Rotzo potatoes, Marostica cherries, Rubbio celery, Bassano white asparagus, Montecchio Maggiore mostardo, Torcolato wine, and Breganze Cabernet wine.

5. The City of Vicenza has Featured Hollywood Films

Vicenza Photo By Vanefacciolo

The city of Vicenza has featured many Hollywood Films. This is one of the fun facts about the city. Some of the films featured in the city include Don Giovanni (1979), I Dreamed of Africa (2000) starring Kim Basinger, Ripley’s Game (2001) starring John Malkovich and Ray Winstone, The Merchant of Venice (2004) starring Jeremu Irons and Al Pacino, and Casonova (2005), starring Heath Ledger

6. Economy

Vicenza Photo By Vanefacciolo

Vicenza is an economic and bustling hub among the different cities of Italy. Vicenza city its industries include textile ( cotton, wool, silk), steel, gold and other jewellery, pottery, musical equipment and computer parts among others. Agriculture is also practised in Vicenza together with farming and is also a key economic factor with wine, white, and olive oil as the main products.

The number of industries and the exports they make as well as the high rate of employment make Vicenza one of the wealthiest cities in Italy. It is the 3^rd largest industrial hub of Italy. The sales figure from purely Vicentini industries is approximately 20 thousand billion.

7. Sport

Vicenza is home to the Vicenza Hurricanes American Football team which currently plays League 2. Hurricanes was founded in 2009, and have a junior team and senior team with a roster of 35 years and above athletes.

Vicenza is the home to football club L.R. Vicenza Virtus formerly known as Lanerossi Vicenza and Vicenza Calcio, which currently compete in Serie B. Their home venue is the Stadio Romeo Menti. Vicenza is as well home to Rangers Rugby Vicenza, a rugby union team who competes in Serie A2.

8. Cuisine and Popular Dishes

Vicenza’s cuisine reflects its humble agricultural past. Simple meals are made with fresh local ingredients that reflect the province’s geographical diversity. Vicenza is known for its simple dishes and famous cheeses, fruits, ingredients and wines such as sopressa Vicentina, Asiago Cheese, Marostica Cherries, Nanto truffles, Bassano asparagus and Breganze Cabernet wine. The residents of Vicenza are jokingly referred to as mangiagatti or cat eaters by other Italians because Vicentinos turned to cats for sustenance during times of famine, such as during World War II.

9. You Can Take a Day Trip to Verona

One of the Vicenza fun facts is that it is connected to both Venice and Verona and these cities are important tourist destinations. Verona is only 30 minutes approximately from the west of Vicenza and regular buses and trains travel between the two cities. After you have explored and learned about Vicenza a day trip to Verona could allow you to explore a different part of Italy.

10. Piazza Dei Signori

The Piazza Dei Signori is the main square within the historic town centre of Vicenza and serves as one of the focal points of the city. This beautiful Square has full of stunning architecture and plays as a host to regular markets where you can find the local’s items and try to find a bargain.

Some of the stunning beautiful notable building in the centre of the square is the impressive Basilica Palladiana and its bell tower, loggia del Capitaniato and the Chiesa di San Michele Detta Dei Servi.