«Today I went to see a wonderful villa called the Rotonda…Architecture has never, perhaps, achieved a greater level of magnificence»
(J.W. von Goethe – 1786)
With our Guides, unlock the secrets of the most famous Palladian Villas.
First, do not miss our tour of Villa Capra, the so-called Rotonda (or the Rotunda, for the English-speakers).
A true icon of the Italian Renaissance, the Villa Rotonda is Andrea Palladio’s greatest masterpiece. The estate is very close to Vicenza, yet completely isolated. Indeed this beautiful Palladian house was built on the top of a hill, or a monticello in Italian: and that’s why Thomas Jefferson called his famous Neopalladian estate Monticello in Virginia.
Join our tour and enter the garden and interiors of the Palladian Villa, to discover its furnishings and its elegant frescoes. When leaving, just look at the view from the top of the staircase: it will leave you breathless.
The Rotonda, with its domed hall that gives it its name, really looks like an old temple: it fascinates, sometimes intimidates, but never leaves you unmoved.
And at the end of such a visit, you will definitely feel part of the refined and timeless atmosphere that surrounds the Villa Rotonda by Andrea Palladio.
After a short walk on a romantic path, your Guide will take you to Villa Valmarana ai Nani.
Look up to the villa’s surrounding wall, and you will see the statues of the dwarves (nani) which give the villa its name. A legend explains their presence here. Are you eager to know all about? Ask your guide during the tour.
Immersed in a fairytale garden, Villa Valmarana treasures the splendid frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo and his son Giandomenico. Listen to their stories and be amazed by the cosy mood that you can still breathe in Villa Valmarana, with its ancient furniture and the discreet presence of the family that still owns the property and takes care of it.
If you want to get the best out of your experience in Vicenza, ask your Agta Guide to combine the visit of these two villas with the tour of the Palladian Vicenza. For a full day experience, you may also include the nearby sanctuary of Monte Berico.
