Who wouldn’t like to have an aperitivo on the top of a Renaissance building? This building is the so called Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza. Do not be misled by the name basilica, though. This is not a church, not in the aspect nor in the function.
Basilica Palladiana is the former Hall of Justice of Vicenza, originally built in the 1400s, inspired to the Palazzo della Ragione in Padova. At some point (mid 1500) the city council hired a young local architect to reconstruct the building. The architect was Andrea Palladio. He added an outer marble shell, the beautiful loggia and the portico. And he finally renamed it basilica, in the ancient Rome meaning: a public building used as a venue for public meetings and administration of justice.
The Basilica now hosts events and exhibitions. But, on the top terrace there is also a wonderful place, La Terrazza della Basilica. It’s a café with an extraordinary view over the entire Vicenza, from its iconic landmark. Know that you can only have something to drink. Since it is an historic landmark, the management can not have permission to cook, cause it would be too risky for the safety of the basilica.
And so you stand there on the top of Palladio’s masterpiece, sipping an aperitivo and admiring the panorama, with the clock tower watching over you.
Matteo and I spent a pleasant hour before lunch, sitting at a shady table on top of the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza and having two drinks. I was told that at night it can be very crowded. So you’re warned, you could find a line to enter. Luckily that daywas a quiet day, so we could enjoy it thoroughly.
The weather was spectacular and the temperature perfect. Nothing left to chance, eh. Since I have been wanting to go since last year, as soon as I “intercepted” the right day, I said to my poor husband: “Today we go there”. And that’s the story.
In the end he was quite more enthusiast than me. And that’s much. Cause, you know, I am the one of the great passions. Like kids. I’m super sad one moment, seeing I don’t know someone crying, or if someone does not greet or something. And utterly joyful one second after, just watching a beautiful flower or a baby laughing or if someone is kind to me for no reason.
Anyway, we ordered a spritz and a cola and the price was very honest, considering the location. OK, yes, you have to pay a fee to enter the basilica first. And that’s 4€ each. But if you pay 5€ you get the seasonal card, and you can go every time you want. So that’s what we did. Of course this is worth only if you live close.
I also read that you can rent the terrace for private events and weddings. Wow!
Mi raccomando, pay attention because La Terrazza della Basilica only opens from mid April to the end of September. Opening hours vary, so it’s better for you to consult the Facebook page to see the right timetable.
La Terrazza della Basilica on top of the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza
Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza
Opening Hours
Tue, Wed, Thur 5pm – 12 am
Fri 5pm – 1am
Sat 10am – 1pm and 5pm – 1am
Sun 10am – 1pm and 5pm – 12am
Closed on Monday
