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Vicenza

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Vicenza is a thriving and cosmopolitan city located in northeastern Italy. It sits within the Veneto region at the northern base of Monte Berico. The city straddles the Bacchiglione River, which flows through its center. Geographically, Vicenza is positioned west of Venice and east of Milan.

Basilica Palladiana a Vicenza Italy and Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Capitaniato Palace
Basilica Palladiana a Vicenza Italy and Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Capitaniato Palace

The city is a major cultural hub known for its museums, art galleries, and elegant Renaissance palazzi. Because of its architectural importance, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Vicenza, World Heritage List
Vicenza, World Heritage List

Much of the city's famous beauty is tied to the architect Andrea Palladio. He lived during the 16th century and transformed the local landscape. Before his work, the area was considered somewhat esthetically lacking. Palladio designed twenty-three significant buildings in and around the city. These include the Basilica Palladiana, located in the Piazza dei Signori.

Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on Piazza dei signori
Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on Piazza dei signori

He also designed the Teatro Olimpico, which features a unique three-dimensional stage.

Vicenza false street
Vicenza false street

Other notable works include the Palazzo Chiericati and the Villa Almerico Capra, also known as La Rotonda. In 1996, UNESCO expanded the protected site to include these Palladian villas.

The history of Vicenza began with the Italic Euganei and Paleo-Veneti tribes. During the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, the Romans arrived in the region. The Romans allied with the Paleo-Veneti to fight against Celtic tribes. By 157 BC, the city was a Roman center known as Vicetia or Vincentia. This name translates to "victorious."

Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on Piazza dei signori
Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on Piazza dei signori

Citizens were granted Roman citizenship in 49 BC. While the Roman city left little behind, three bridges over the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers are of Roman origin. The city also once featured a Roman aqueduct.

Over many centuries, many different groups conquered or ruled the city. During the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the area faced raids from the Huns, Visigoths, and Vandals. The city later saw rule from the Byzantine Empire, the Lombards, and the Franks. In 899, Magyar raiders destroyed the city. During the Middle Ages, Vicenza was part of the Lombard League. It eventually came under the rule of the Republic of Venice in 1404. Following the fall of Venice in 1797, the city experienced Napoleonic rule. Later, it passed to the Austrian Empire after 1814.

Vicenza has faced significant hardship during modern conflicts. The city was a major combat location during both World War I and World War II. It was the most damaged city in the Veneto region due to Allied bombings. These bombings destroyed many historical monuments and caused over 2,000 civilian deaths. This devastation led to a period of economic depression after the wars ended. However, the 1960s brought a massive change known as the "miracolo del nord-est," or the miracle of the northeast. This era saw rapid economic growth driven by small and medium family businesses.

Today, Vicenza is one of Italy's wealthiest and most productive cities. It is the third-largest Italian industrial center by the value of its exports. The economy relies heavily on the textile and steel industries, which employ tens of thousands of people. The city is also a global leader in jewelry production. About one fifth of all gold and jewelry made in Italy is produced in Vicenza. Additionally, the engineering and computer components industry is a vital sector. This is notable because Federico Faggin, the co-inventor of the microprocessor, was born here.

The city's population has also undergone a major transformation. Between 1876 and 1976, over one million people emigrated from the province to escape poverty and war. This created a massive global diaspora, with over three million people of Vicentino descent living worldwide. Today, the trend has reversed, and Vicenza has become a land of immigration. The city is home to the U.S. Army post Caserma Ederle, which serves as a headquarters for the Southern European Task Force.

Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare Vicenza centro storico
Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare Vicenza centro storico

This military presence contributes to a diverse population, including many residents from the United States, Europe, and South Asia.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on Piazza dei signori.jpg
Basilica Palladiana (Vicenza) - facade on...
File:Basilica Palladiana a Vicenza Italy and Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Capitaniato Palace.jpg
Basilica Palladiana a Vicenza Italy and...
File:Vicenza false street.JPG
Vicenza false street.JPG
File:Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare Vicenza centro storico.jpg
Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare Vicenza...
File:Palazzo Chiericati (Vicenza).jpg
Palazzo Chiericati (Vicenza).jpg
File:Vicenza, World Heritage List.jpg
Vicenza, World Heritage List.jpg
File:Baccala alla vicentina.jpg
Baccala alla vicentina.jpg
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