The Province of Vicenza, located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. The most popular cities include Vicenza—the provincial capital—Bassano del Grappa, and Marostica. During your visit to Vicenza, explore the elegant villas designed by architect Andrea Palladio, collectively known as the Palladian Villas. Most of these buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the most famous being Villa la Rotonda. Stroll through the city's historic square to admire another UNESCO gem, the Basilica Palladiana. In Bassano del Grappa, don't miss the iconic Ponte Vecchio wooden bridge and the opportunity to visit grappa distilleries. Finally, explore Marostica, known for its annual human chess game and medieval castle.
Buses are a convenient way to get around Vicenza. The main bus operator, Società Vicentina Trasporti (SVT), connects various towns in the province, including Bassano del Grappa, Valdagno, and Vicenza. Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals, authorized resellers, or online through the SVT website or app. You can also buy tickets on board, though they will cost more.
The Province of Vicenza is home to the Palladian Villas, including the famous Villa la Rotonda, which sits atop a hill in Vicenza. Another notable villa is Villa Angarano in Bassano del Grappa. While in Bassano del Grappa, don't miss the picturesque wooden bridge and enjoy grappa tasting at local distilleries. Another popular destination is Recoaro Terme, offering relaxing thermal baths as well as a ski resort for those looking for more exciting activities.
Vicenza offers a wide range of outdoor activities, the most popular being hiking and cycling in scenic areas like the Asiago Plateau and the Berici Hills. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a bike tour. Additionally, try caving at Buso della Rana, the largest cave in the Veneto region. During the winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding along 8 km of slopes at the Recoaro Mille ski resort.
If you're traveling from Venice to Vicenza City, trains run frequently from Santa Lucia and Mestre stations to Vicenza. The journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the train. You can also take a bus or shuttle, but these may take longer than the train. For those traveling to other towns in the province, renting a car is a convenient option, as it allows you to explore the countryside and smaller towns.
The best time to visit Vicenza is during spring (March to May) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking. If you're interested in winter sports, the Recoaro Mille ski resort is usually open from December to April. Meanwhile, summers (June to August) in Vicenza can be hot, with average temperatures reaching up to 33 °C.
Don't miss baccalà alla Vicentina, a traditional dish from Vicenza made with cod, milk, onions, and anchovies. Another must-try dish is bigoli, a thick pasta from the Veneto region typically served with duck ragù. The province is also known for its creamy Asiago cheese as well as grappa, which can be enjoyed after a meal or mixed with espresso to create caffè corretto.
Travel Tips for Province of Vicenza
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