Villa Rotonda

Deep in the hinterland of the Veneto lies the city of Vicenza and this is Palladio country. Andrea Palladio is probably the most influential architect in the world has ever known. He was born in Padua in 1508 but is forever linked with Vicenza and the surrounding countryside although buildings designed by him can be found all over the Veneto.

If there is one building that distills the essence of Palladio it is the Villa Rotonda. This small building, with its four identical facades, sits on a hill on the outskirts of the town where for over 400 years, with its sublime blend of simplicity and sophistication, it has influenced architects from all corners of the world. It was this building that inspired Thomas Jefferson to design Monticello and the English nobleman, Lord Burlington, could pay no higher compliment than to produce a copy of it, Chiswick House, in London.

This is a building designed to be in perfect harmony with the landscape surrounding it and it is in this context that it needs to be seen.

The interior is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except during the winter months, and the grounds are open every day. I challenge you to visit this place and not be moved.