In the heart of Vicenza’s Old Town is the attractive and lively Piazza dei Signori. At this charming city square you can marvel at some of the city’s architectural landmarks. Relax on the outdoor terrace of a café and shop at weekly markets. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, Piazza dei Signori took its current name in the Renaissance years, when the Signoria, the governing body of the Republic of Venice, controlled Vicenza.
The dominant feature of the square is the Andrea Palladio-designed Basilica Palladiana (also known as Palazzo della Ragione). Check out the building's Gothic façade and elegant arcades. During summer, pay a fee to visit the basilica’s terrace and sit at the small bar. Enjoy views across the square and over Vicenza’s Old Town. Don’t miss the Torre Bissara, a tall clock tower that dates back to the 12th century.
Another impressive landmark worth checking out is the Loggia del Capitanio. Also designed by Andrea Palladio, this building dates back to the mid-1500s and is characterized by a red-brick façade and grand columns. Look for intricate carvings of mythological gods and symbolic heroes. Inside, find frescoes by the late-Renaissance painter Giovanni Antonio Fasolo.
Elsewhere in the square you’ll find two Corinthian-style columns, crowned by statues of the Lion of St. Mark and Christ the Redeemer. On Sundays, step inside the ornate Chiesa di San Vincenzo church, which forms part of the Palazzo del Monte di Pieta.
Take a seat on the terrace of a café or ice cream parlor and watch as locals and tourists pass by, pausing to marvel at the square’s picturesque urban landscape. Visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays to browse the stalls of a flea market. Throughout the year the square hosts live music events and festivals, such as February’s carnival parade.
Located in the center of Vicenza’s Old Town, the Piazza dei Signori is a short walk from major city attractions. Stroll along Corso Andrea Palladio to find the Palazzo Thiene and the pretty Giardino Salvi gardens.
