In a city blessed with architectural beauty, the Palazzo Chiericati stands out as one of Vicenza’s finest buildings. Marvel at the work of Andrea Palladio, the revered Venetian architect who was responsible for much of Vicenza’s urban landscape. Palladio designed the palace in the late 1500s for the aristocratic Chiericati family. Since 1855, the palace has also been the home of Vicenza’s impressive Civic Art Gallery.
Stand at the palace’s main entrance and study its exquisite exterior. Note the use of Doric columns on the lower level and Ionic columns on the upper. Look for carvings of bulls’ heads and a roofline adorned by statues that represent Greek gods. Although Andrea Palladio started work on the palace in 1550, it was not completed until 1680, a century after his death.
Step inside the palace to discover rooms decorated with intricate ceiling frescoes and the exhibitions of the Civic Art Gallery. Spot 16th and 17th century art, including work by Anthony van Dyck, Giulio Carpioni and Pietro Liberi. See a collection of paintings, drawings and engravings from the 1400s to 1900s, which belonged to Marquis Giuseppe Roi. Check out the exhibition of artworks donated by local sculptor Nereo Quagliato.
Palazzo Chiericati sits in the heart of Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, which is about a 5-minute walk east from Piazza dei Signori, the city’s central square. Public buses stop close to Piazza Giacomo Matteotti and the square also has car parking available for a fee. After visiting the palace and art gallery, check out Vicenza’s other Palladio-designed buildings. Stroll along Corso Andrea Palladio to the Palazzo Thiene or visit the grand Teatro Olimpico.
The palace and art gallery are open from Tuesday to Sunday. Purchase the Vicenza Città Bellisima museum card from the Teatro Olimpico to gain 3 days' access to seven museums and attractions around the city, including the Palazzo Chiericati. Visit the palace’s official website for full opening hours, admission fees and a schedule for the gallery’s other exhibition halls.
