Villa Almerico Capra

Villa Almerico Capra, also called La Rotonda, is one of the most extraordinary and famous works of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. It is located just outside the historic center of Vicenza, along the road that leads between the pretty hills of the Berici Hills. Where above all the Madonna's Sanctuary of Mount Berico stands out, two places, together with the Rotonda, that cannot be missed. Built by the famous architect around 1556, for the canon and count Paolo Almerico after his retirement from the Roman curia, it was completed by the two Capra brothers, who purchased the building in 1591.

Palladio, to respect the religious needs of Paolo Almerico, conceived for him a suburban residence that could be both a peaceful refuge for meditation and study, and a place with functions of representation. Isolated on the top of a hill, it is, at the same time, a solid but also elegant structure, in harmony with the landscape that surrounds it, perfectly reflecting the humanistic ideals of Renaissance architecture.

Villa Almerico Capra is devoid of lateral loggias, usually used for the collection of food produced in agricultural estates and the main body stands isolated, emphasizing the integration of the surrounding landscape, according to Palladio's desire.

Without the agricultural skills, the villa fully covers the role of stage where the owner can devote himself to contemplating the surrounding nature and its thousand horizons. The central structure is cube-shaped, on each side there is a pediment supported by six Ionic columns and above the tympanum decorated with three statues supported by crosses.

Inside, the central circular room stands out, equipped with balconies that extend up to the dome. The fabulous hemispherical ceiling is decorated with frescoes by Alessandro Maganza, with allegories related to religious life and the virtues connected to them, such as Faith, Eternity, Fame, Temperance ... In the lower part of the room we find majestic painted columns and gigantic figures of gods of Greek mythology.

◊ THE VICENZA PROVINCE ◊

It is one of the most industrialized and richest areas in Italy but, at the same time, still maintains many green and wild areas. You’ll beamazed by the charm of this city thanks to its Palladian villas, sumptuous palaces, the great green valleys that run throughout the territory, such as the Valsugana, and the great enchanted woods of the Seven Municipalities Plateau. Do not miss the typical towns of Vicenza, set in the territory as precious diamonds, which preserve works and typical products of the highest prestige. This province, famous for the nicknames about cats, will surprise you day by day for its artistic beauties scattered throughout the territory. Plan your holidays in the province of Vicenza, our tips and suggestive photographs will help you to take the right path for your trip.

◊ SPECIAL CATEGORIES ◊

The Veneto Region, nestled in the north-east of Italy, is a mix of history and traditions and, all of it, is enriched by the liveliness of its inhabitants and by a wide range of typical products all to be savored. From the highest peaks of the Dolomites, he embraces and welcomes each visitor with brotherly warmth, accommodating him among the many lounges of his cities of art, giving him unforgettable emotions. Turning between the pages of this site, you can organize your next holidays in the Veneto region and thanks to the many photos published, everything will be very simple.