We are planning a day trip via train from Verona to Vicenza in a couple of weeks (on a Wednesday). From the Vicenza train station, is it possible to walk to the "main" sites? We have a loose plan of visiting the Palladio sites in the centre, having a nice lunch, followed by a visit to Villa Rotonda, and then taking the train back to Verona.

I just can't quite figure out the distances between these sites and whether there are nice walking paths around the town.

If anyone has done this, I would be grateful for your opinion! Grazie!

Most everything was right in the compact historical town center - we walked to everything we wanted to after arriving by train - all the Palladio stuff, etc. A really nice town that more folks should think about going to IMO - real nice!

would be interested in others' take on this.

I love Vicenza! The architecture is wonderful!
City center is easily walkable and direct from the train station.
Do not miss Olympia Teatro - absolutely beautiful! Simple, but exquisite.

Villa Rotonda is too far from city center for an easy walk, when you have only one day. Take a taxi for about 10 euro. Be sure to check times and hours because the interior is open only one or two mornings a week most of the time. It used to be Wednesday and Sat in Summer. Even though I was there for five days, I missed seeing it because I did not check first.

Check for market days and times also because the street market is fantastic with wonderful cheese, meats and pesto.

If you go up to the church (sorry, do not remember the name) behind the train station, the church is lovely and the views are very nice. With only one day, you might not have time, but you could have a taxi take you up after you visit the villa and you could walk back down to the station for the trip back to Verona.

Easy to walk from the train into town and through to the main sights. You may want to check this out:

http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/jgk/201...rsvicenza.html

about a day trip to Vicenza.

Thanks all, for your insights. I am so excited about our trip. We like to walk so this sounds perfecto.

The rail station is midway between the Villa Rotonda and the town, so plan your walking accordingly. On your way to the villa, you will pass the Villa Valmarana ai Nani (statues of dwarves along the top of the wall.) The Rotonda's interior is open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but the more important exterior is closed only on Mondays.

Update: upon arrival in Vicenza we took a taxi to Villa Rotonda, which was 8 euro. We felt it would have been a bit far for a pleasant walk. After the Rotonda, we took the no. 8 bus, €2, back to town to see the Teatro Olimpico and other very interesting Palladio sites. Had a lovely lunch at an outdoor cafe and wandered back to the train station by 4pm. It was a magical day in Vicenza.

Palladio and "lovely lunch at an outdoor cafe" is what Vicenza is all about.

We also loved it, magical is the word. Definitely.

One of my favorite cities.

Jranger,
Thank you for coming back and giving us your update. So glad you enjoyed Vicenza.

What did you think of Teatro Olimpico? Isn't the depth of perspective in the painted stage amazing? And, the space is sheer genius - the semi-eliptical shape feels warmer and more intimate than a semi-circle.

I love buildings, took classes in Italian Architecture, and that is one of my favorite buildings anywhere. It doesn't smack you in the face and say, "look how fancy I am" like Baroque, or "look how unique I am" like some modern stuff. Rather, it is just there, quiet perfection.

Glad to read this. Vicenza has been on my list for a while!