Villa La Rotonda

About the museum

The villa was designed by Andrea Palladio for Paolo Almerico (1514–1589), a nobleman and churchman from Vicenza who was already apostolic referendary to Popes Pius IV and Pius V. He commissioned Palladio in 1565. When the architect died, in 1580, the building site passed to Vincenzo Scamozzi, who added the barchessa (arcaded outbuilding) along the approach avenue and completed the dome with a shallow vault and a central oculus. The works were completed in 1605.

After Almerico’s death the villa passed to his natural son Virginio and then to the brothers Odorico and Mario Capra, who held it until the early 19th century. The frescoes of the dome and of the corner rooms date from the late 16th century. At the beginning of the 18th century Louis Dorigny produced the decoration for the wedding of Marzio and Cecilia Capra, and between 1725 and 1740 Francesco Muttoni intervened on the structure. From 1818 a succession of owners followed.

In 1912 Count Andrea Valmarana bought the villa, which was then in poor condition. The family still owns it and since 1976 has carried out conservation restorations. La Rotonda has been open to the public since 1980 and, inside, since 1986. In 1994 it was recognised by UNESCO as the first Palladian monument to be a World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Masterpiece by Andrea Palladio from 1565
• Piano nobile (main floor) with the frescoed dome
• Barchessa and approach avenue by Scamozzi
• The 19th-century Boschetto Romantico grove
• Monumental kitchen in the basement (“I segreti della Rotonda” visit)

Permanent exhibition

• Piano Nobile e Boschetto Romantico – Visit to the Palladian interiors with the frescoed dome, and to the garden with the 19th-century grove.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Famiglia Valmarana (proprietà privata)

Visitors per year

approx. 40,000

Admission & discounts

The entrance ticket covers the piano nobile, the interiors and the 19th-century Boschetto Romantico, without a guide. Booking is not required for ordinary visits; cash and cards are accepted. Tourist guides with a guide badge enter free of charge.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The interior and the piano nobile are not accessible by wheelchair because of the steps. The garden has gravel paths; wheelchair users may visit the exterior free of charge.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car: A4 Milan–Venice motorway, Vicenza Est exit, direction Riviera Berica. The road is residential and irregular parking may be fined. Radiotaxi Vicenza +39 0444 920600.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop in the barchessa, open from March to December during visiting hours: books on Palladio, gadgets, clothing and local products such as the honey, pasta and flour of La Rotonda.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit