Villa della Rotonda (Villa Almerico Capra)

Villa della Rotonda (Villa Almerico Capra) Review

This beautiful Palladian villa, commissioned in 1556 as a suburban residence for Paolo Almerico, is undoubtedly the purest expression of Palladio's architectural theory and aesthetic. It's more a villa-temple than a residence, and in this respect it contradicts the rational utilitarianism of Renaissance architecture. Rather, it can be called a prime example of mannerist architecture, demonstrating the priority Palladio gave to architectural symbolism of celestial harmony over practical considerations. Although a visit to view the interior may be difficult to schedule—it's still privately owned—it is well worth the effort in order to get an idea of how the people who commissioned the villa actually lived. Even without a peek inside, viewing the exterior and the grounds is a must for any visit to Vicenza. The villa is a 20-minute walk from town or a short ride on bus 8 from Vicenza's Piazza Roma.