Palladio's influence on American colonial architecture can be seen in historic homes and structures throughout the East Coast of the United States, including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the University of Virginia. For that reason, I made certain to include the City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto in my travel plans when I visited Italy last fall. Vicenza is a pleasant city not far from Venice and Padova, and it is packed with examples of Palladian architecture, including the Palazzo Chiericati, the Basilica Palladiana, and the Teatro Olimpico. While the loggia of the Basilica Palladiana was wonderful to see, it was somewhat obscured by tents for a chocolate fair on the day I visited; the Palazzo Chiericati was much more accessible and just as impressive. Nearby, the intricate stage of the Teatro Olimpico was worth the wait to visit. In the afternoon, I continued by bus to the famed Villa Almerico Capra, or "La Rotunda", which inspired Jefferson's Monticello. I made sure to visit on a Saturday so I could view the interior, but unfortunately photography was not allowed inside. The building was magnificent, however, and I spent a good hour admiring the grounds. For anyone with an interest in architecture, I highly recommend Vicenza.

Logistics: Vicenza is accessible by train to many nearby cities, and the downtown is a short walk from the train station; both a bus and a foot path connect the town with La Rotunda, on the outskirts of town, and I can recommend the foot path.