By bicycle
The exceptional artistic heritage, extensive cycle and walking tracks, and gentle hills immersed in nature make the province of Vicenza an ideal place for cyclists. You will be amazed at the beautifully preserved classical loggias, Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings in the old city centres.
Recognised in 1994 by Unesco as part of the World Heritage, Vicenza is one of the cities with the greatest number of monumental complexes in relation to its size.
Leaving the spacious squares and charming lanes lined with flower-filled balconies, you can go into the countryside in search of gentle ascents through the hills or around the numerous, renowned Veneto villas in the province: colonnades, barchesse (colonnaded barns) and staircases take you back to a time when ladies who, dressed in brocade, strolled through frescoed halls.
Gourmets won't want to miss stopping in a typical bar for a tasty snack or to sip the famous local wines. Lovers of crafts can admire many characteristic products in the shop windows or at the local markets.
1st ROUTE - HISTORIC CENTRE
Among the numerous possible itineraries in the old city centre, we recommend one that takes in places and monuments rich in charm. The exploration of the city starts from the railway station. Cross the green spaces of Campo Marzio, leaving Monte Berico and its fine Baroque basilica behind you. Pass by the eleventh-century Porta Castello on your right and go into the Giardino Salvi with its Palladio loggia on the canal and characteristic fountain.
Enter the city near Piazza S. Lorenzo, with its grandiose Franciscan church in Gothic style, then follow Corso Fogazzaro, lined with elegant palazzi and distinctive shops. After crossing the Bacchiglione river beyond Porta S. Croce, continue towards Parco Querini, the real green lungs of the city.
Returning through Porta S. Lucia brings you to Piazza Matteotti with the Teatro Olimpico and the Palazzo Chiericati, both by Palladio. The latter is now the civic museum with an important art gallery.
Walk along Piazza delle Erbe to then admire the historic bridge of S. Michele before going back to the railway station.
2nd ROUTE - THE VILLAS
The north-eastern plain of Vicenza is the ideal place for cycle-tourism: starting from the Stadio car park, ride to the Villa Valmarana, known as 'La Rotonda', an architectural jewel of the sixteenth century designed by Palladio and completed by Scamozzi. In a few minutes you find yourself in the countryside, in the oasis of Casale, a marshy area that is home to interesting species of aquatic birds. Carry on to Lisiera, Monticello Conte Otto, Cavazzale and Caldogno, between rows of trees that line the waterways and vineyards. It is worth making a detour to the Villa Monza in Dueville, to the Villa del Conte and the Villa Da Porto Casarotti. In Vivaro an unsealed road leads to a resurgence area where the underground watercourses gush forth into a network of surprisingly clear canals abounding in fish. Continuing south takes you back to the city, by way of Porta S. Bortolo and the medieval walls.
3rd ROUTE - THE BASSANO AREA
After parking at the Tempio Ossario, visit Bassano's famous wooden bridge designed by Palladio in 1570. Then follow a hill path through fields and forests. After a short ascent towards the plateau, allowing you to admire the panorama of the surrounding valleys, go down at the first crossroads to the charming hamlet of Valle S. Floriano. Proceed to Vallonara, admiring the typical masiere (dry stone terracing walls) along the way.
This area has plenty of farmhouse restaurants offering a pleasant stop for wine and food. Then go down towards Marostica, famous for its castle, city wall and chessboard in the main square where games are played with 'live' pieces in even years. Proceed across the plain towards Mason Vicentino, renowned for its cherries, along a road that snakes between cornfields and farmhouses. In Nove, a ceramics centre of prestigious tradition, you can admire the fine buildings embellished with ceramic decorations and shop for crockery. In a few moments you're back in Bassano, famous for its grappa, ceramics and woodworking.
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