Villa La Rotonda | Grandi Giardini Italiani

History

La Rotonda is a villa and much more. Visited by poets and artists, sovereigns and statesmen, scholars and art enthusiasts, travelers and tourists from around the world, after 500 years, the Rotonda designed by Andrea Palladio for Paolo Almerico remains a place of pure beauty capable of conveying inspiration, culture, and joy to its visitors.
The romantic grove of the 1800s was a place for walks but also for escapism; it was a bucolic spot where one could secretly read secret letters or forbidden books.
The PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) represented a unique
opportunity to intervene in crucial areas of the estate, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for this architectural and landscape gem. The 12,554 square meter grove west of the villa has undergone significant redevelopment work. Care, pruning, and fertilization of the plants have been carried out, along with the removal of invasive species to promote healthy and controlled growth of the original plants. The space has been enriched with 65,000 bulbs of daffodils and tulips, and new pathways have been created to enhance usability and restore historical panoramic views.
Located west of the terrace, the former citrus grove has been redeveloped and has returned to being a place of great charm. Citrus and Prunus subhirtella pots have been added, creating a shaded walk area that highlights the nymphaeum and offers visitors a unique experience of scents and colors.
The east avenue has also undergone a thorough renovation. Some beech trees have been transplanted to more suitable areas, while others have been removed to re-establish visual continuity between the villa and the surrounding landscape, restoring the majestic Palladian perspective.

How to get here

By car
Take the A4 Milan-Venice motorway, turn off at Vicenza Est and head towards Riviera Berica.
Via della Rotonda is a residential area; illegally parked cars may be fined or towed by local authorities: pay attention to local parking regulations.
Taxi (Radiotaxi Vicenza +39 (0)444 920600), approximately €10 from Vicenza train station.

By train or bus
From Vicenza train station, on Viale Venezia 14/b, Vicenza.
Bus number 8 towards Debba or Lumignano, from Viale Venezia (in front of the train station) to Riviera (in front of the petrol station).

By bike or on foot
The Villa is a 30-minute walk from Vicenza Train Station and a 6-minute walk from both the Riviera Berica and the petrol station car park.
Bicycles can be rented at train station.
You can take the Fogazzaro Roi Stage 1 or Stage 2 trails through the city center to check out other monuments on your way here.

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl