Squeezed between Venice and Verona, Vicenza boasts not only Palladio, the core (nucleus) of its world charm. It contains other treasures and just to mention a few: the panel of the Baptism of Christ by Giovanni Bellini in San Corona, the large canvas of the supper of San Gregorio Magno by Veronese in Monte Berico; the Gallerie d’Italia initiative born in Vicenza and then followed by Florence, Naples, Milan, Venaria Reale (Turin), at Palazzo Leoni Montanari; the galleries of Palazzo Thiene.
All works that make Vittorio Sgarbi say that Vicenza is the capital of art. Not to mention that Vicenza was the birthplace of Antonio Pigafetta who was the first to circumnavigate the globe, leaving us a precious report of that adventure, comparable only to the landing on the moon. And again Luigi da Porto, the inventor of the famous novel Romeo and Juliet, was born there. But Vicenza is better known for its reputation as a city of art than it is visited. An almost metaphysical city, more dreamed than real. Tourists who have the adventure of setting foot there get lost between the Piazza dei Signori and the Olympic Theater. The disorienting atmosphere does not allow you to linger there longer than a sunset to elaborate the monumental Palladian works; everything else (lost opportunities!) escaped him. Other references steal the visitor and Vicenza is disappointed. It has many other cultural interests and not just to show off, but the two cities are laying siege to it. All to rethink the tourism strategy! Giovanni Bertacche