What to do and see in Province of Vicenza, Veneto: The Best Things to do

Andrea Palladio’s last work and masterpiece, the Olympic Theatre was commissioned in February 1580 by the Accademia Olimpica, a society of mixed social classes founded in Vicenza in 1555 for cultural and scientific purposes and to which Palladio himself belonged. Construction began in May 1580, but Palladio died suddenly on 19 August of that year so did not see its completion. After various, complex delays, the theatre was completed five years later and opened on 3 March 1585 with the memorable staging of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus. The theatre is reached by way of the odeon and anti-odeon, two large rooms designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and decorated respectively with frescoes by Francesco Maffei portraying divinities and allegorical figures (c. 1637) and a monochrome frieze of considerable documentary interest (c. 1595). This depicts theatrical productions presented by the Accademia before construction of the Olimpic Theatre (Amor costante, Sophonisba) and shows or events held in the new theatre (Oedipus the King, the diplomatic mission of Japanese envoys). Palladio designed a monumental scenae frons within an enclosed space intended to simulate classical theatres in the open air. It is flanked by two wings or stage doors and a semi-elliptical cavea with thirteen tiers, ending in a columned exedra at the top, partly open and partly with niches in the wall. Statues of the academicians who commissioned the theatre, dressed in classical costume, occupy the niches and plinths of the structure. A series of splendid bas reliefs showing stories of Hercules by Ruggero Bascape occupies the highest row. Wooden perspective scenery of the streets of Thebes runs back from the three openings in the scenea frons. This was designed by Scamozzi for the opening performance of Oedipus Tyrannus and has remained as a permanent feature

This marvelous bridge made in wood, named Ponte Degli Alpini, is dated from 1209, although it was rebuilt some times along the centuries. It is also called Ponte Vecchio, and the view one can enjoy from it, over the Brenta river and facing the Alpes during the Winter, is simply great !

Welcome to the Museum of the most Italian of spirits: Grappa. Not far from Venice, at the foot of Monte Grappa, lies the enchanting town of Bassano del Grappa, the "capital" of the very Italian distillate: Grappa. In the heart of the town, opposite the historic Ponte Vecchio, in the old "Palazzo delle Teste", is the Poli Grappa Museum. The Poli Grappa Museum, the result of a long and passionate research, the Museum was created by the Poli Family in appreciation of Grappa. The Museum consists of five suggestive rooms and visits are self-guided.

The Village has arisen from the Nordic countries thanks to the arrival of small and wise creatures who have chosen as the ideal place thanks to the integrity of the territory, the grove Poslen. In a pristine environment, in the dense forests of pine and green pastures runs a thrilling ride that will allow you, thanks to our guides to spend an exciting day breathing the air ... from Fable, the magical, mysterious and animated world ... of Gnomi.Si tells that live hidden in the woods, the silence and love animals. A magical adventure for the little ones, a pleasant relaxation for adults, immersed in an enchanting world of Nature, History and Magic. Also ... you will find a large playground with tappetone elastic, inflatable slide, football, volleyball, rides, swings, table tennis, jogging track, funny ... electric cars and solarium relaxation. We have received many innovative services and special attention paid to the needs of Family and Children the gold medal for work and economic progress in 2010!