"It is not possible to describe the feeling you have seeing the Basilica of Palladio".  These are the words written by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, during one of his stays in Vicenza, about the splendid building, considered the symbol of Vicenza.

Recently restored, it has recently been declared a National Monument, recognition that has attracted a lot of pride in the city.

For the construction of the Basilica, which is not a religious building as would suppose the name, but civil (here met the "Consiglio" wich composed the city government), the project of Andrea Palladio won the competition of architects at the time very more famous than him.

The solution to surround the walls of the old and unsafe "palace of reason" with a system of lodges at regular openings in white stone, turned out brilliant, as well as stylistically perfect.

For some years the beautiful lounge of the Basilica hosts major exhibitions, which attract each occasion hundreds of thousands of visitors.

We recommend to go up to the terrace, placed just under the dome and that runs all around the monument, which offers a splendid view of the Old Town and the Berici Hills.  During the good season is running a bar service, so, sitting outside you can enjoy, for example, a typical Venetian aperitif. The climb to the terrace is a unique experience, it's guaranteed !!!
 
The Basilica is nice to see in the evening too, as the restoration has equipped it with an innovative lighting system, which greatly enhances its architectural features.