Vicenza, the capital of the province of the same name, is located in the Italian region of Veneto about 65 kilometres northwest of Venice. The first traces of settlement date back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. In 157 BC, the Roman city was given the name Vincentia. After many centuries of siege and reconstruction, the architect Andrea Palladio succeeded in characterising Vicenza with his incredible buildings. Under his direction, villas, palaces, statues and religious buildings were created, many of which have survived the centuries and are still important sights in the city today. These include the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto and the Basilica Palladiana.
Teatro Olimpico
The Teatro Olimpico is a theatre building from the Renaissance period in Vicenza. The theatre was designed by Andrea Palladio.
The theatre was built in the style of a Roman theatre. But unlike a Roman theatre, Palladio's building is covered. However, the painted sky above the auditorium (cavea) refers to the classical open-air theatre.
Through three portals, the stage wall provides a view of a scenery city - an idealised Thebes. The scenery city was originally built for the performance of "Oedipus the King", but remained standing after the performance and has served as a stage set for all performances ever since. Life-size figures of academy members stand in the small temple-like niches (Ädikulä) designed like blind windows.
