Vicenza

I had decided some time ago that I wanted to visit Vicenza, a city about 30 minutes by train east of Padua, and the capital city of the Veneto region. The city is mostly well-known for the number of buildings which are attributed to the architect, Palladio, who was busy during the last half of the 16th century - so well known in fact that the entire city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Palladio, who died in 1580, is best known for his final work, the Teatro Olimpico, which was not completed until 1595. The beauty of the interior, the design and construction of the stage settings, and the fact that the original wooden seats are still in use, make this a very special building.

The stage is designed to look like a Piazza with streets leading on to it

The elliptical design of the seats allows patrons to sit almost on top of the stage area

The depth of the stage is enhanced by the design and contruction of the scenery

Vicenza is rich with other fine examples of Palladio's work, mostly palazzos that have been purchased by banks, fashion brands and very rich individuals. It is also one of the few  cities visited on this trip that has some area devoted to parks and gardens and that makes for a nice change.

This weekend also sees the end of Daylight Saving for most of Europe, and despite the continuance of bright sunny days, the light is now fading at 4:30 in the afternoon, and there is starting to be a little chill in the air at night.

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