See the most important museums here, but we will be happy to provide a customized proposal. On demand we organize special openings of unique interiors.
The highlights
The Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theatre) of Vicenza is Andrea Palladio‘s latest work. It is the only Renaissance theatre in the world still displaying its original scene.Feeling this hall’s perfect acoustics and incredible trompe-l’oeil perspective are unforgettable experiences. Get to know how this miracle works through the voice of an expert Agta guide and discover how this wonder has survived wars, abandon and time passing by.
Our Teatro Olimpico is not only a monument: indeed, at night it is still in use for theatrical performances, operas and events for a small audience . Ask your guide how to attend these peculiar shows.
The visit to the Teatro Olimpico can be included in the classical Palladian Tour of Vicenza.
The other must-see in Vicenza is the church of Santa Corona: learn about the amazing story of this extraordinary temple of art.
Santa Corona was built during the Middle Ages and hosted a legendary treasure which is still partially visible. The church was part of a powerful Dominican convent that used to be the seat of the Inquisition Court.
Its magnificent altarpieces include works by Giovanni Bellini and Paolo Veronese.
Santa Corona was also Palladio’s final resting place: eventually ask your Agta guide to show you Andrea Palladio’s tombstone. The story of his last years and of his grave‘s discovery is breathtaking.
The visit of Santa Corona is included in the tour of Vicenza’s city centre.
The hidden gems
Credits: Cosmo Laera
If you are into design, then don’t miss our tour of Vicenza’s Jewellery Museum.
First, why is this kind of museum in Vicenza? Because our city is also one of the most important jewellery exporters in the world. Here some among the best jewellery companies are located, and the international trade show Vicenzaoro takes place.
The small but highly refined Jewellery Museum is housed in the Basilica Palladiana. Its rooms were planned by Patricia Urquiola. This is the first museum of its kind in Italy.
Visit the Jewellery Museum with us and travel the history of jewels. See historical amulets, crowns, accessories, iconic sets and priceless creations, designed by great goldsmith masters of all time.
In particular, we look forward to present the most challenging place of the museum: the Future Room, which is an extraordinary glance at the new trends in goldsmith design, future usage of metals and beyond.
The Risorgimento Museum of Villa Guiccioli is an unmissable destination for Contemporary History lovers.
Every object and room talks about freedom and independence here. Even the hill where the museum is, used to be a battlefield during the first Italian Independence War in 1848. Not far from the museum, one can also enjoy a stunning view on the mounts where the Great War was fought between 1915 and 1918.
This tour is also a dip into nature, as the museum is surrounded by a majestic park, populated by centuries-old trees and protected wild animals, that you will be able to see (a bit of luck is needed, though).
In this evocative place, your Agta guide will tell you about the sacrifice and the victories during the daring Italian fight for freedom (aka Risorgimento period).
Eventually, this museum has a small great value…. admission is free: always, for everyone!
If you like organized and bright galleries providing a nice visiting experience, then join us to the Cathedral Museum.
Through its rare sacred treasures collection, we make you discover the extraordinary know-how of ancient goldsmiths. In particular, one among the most important jewels dating back to the Middle Ages is preserved here. It is the Holy Thorn Reliquary from the church of Santa Corona. The real thorn that one can actually see inside the jewel comes from the crown of thorns that is now in Notre-Dame de Paris.
The other very special piece of this collection is the Parrots cape. A silk and gold masterpiece which was handmade in Sicily, and once belonged to the German emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen, the so-called Stupor Mundi (= the wonder of the world).
Ask your Agta guide to tell you about the long journey of these exceptional pieces from their birthplace to Vicenza.
Combine this tour with a visit between Art and Faith in Vicenza.