Vicenza, famous as the city of Palladio, boasts a history that extends well beyond the time of the illustrious architect. Its roots date back to the 9th century BC, when it was inhabited by the Paleo-Venetian people, and was part of a region that went beyond the current borders of Veneto. The ancient Vicetia , hidden in the vortex of the centuries, presents itself as an unexpected treasure to explore, dating back to the glories of the Roman Empire.
Roman Vicenza: let's go and discover it
In 49 BC, an epochal moment marked the history of Vicenza: the city obtained the status of Roman municipality and the extension of Roman citizenship to all the populations of the region between the Po and the Alps. This was not only a significant step in history of Vicenza, but also underlined the fact that the people of Vicenza were not considered foreigners, but citizens in all respects, with full civil, economic, political and legal rights.
The Romans, despite their geographical distance, shaped Vicenza into a genuinely Roman city through architecture. Walking through the streets, the people of Vicenza could admire structures similar to those of Rome: theatres, baths, forums, aqueducts and roads that spread the unmistakable Roman presence. The imprint of the Roman Empire is today visible in the majestic Via Postumia , an ancient artery that connected Genua to Aquileia, making Vicenza a fundamental crossroads in Transpadania. What we know today as Corso Palladio was the beating heart of this ancient itinerary.
As we continue to explore the city, few are aware that beneath the Piazza del Duomo lies a cryptoporticus , a rare structure in Northern Italy, which once served as a food depot and refuge from the cold. A few steps away, among the evocative medieval streets, you can still see the semicircular shape of the ancient Berga Theatre, a place of performances and meeting place for the elite of the time.
The Roman baths of Vicenza
The Baths of Piazza Duomo are a precious archaeological complex located in the heart of Vicenza, dating back to the 1st century BC. This site offers a fascinating look at daily life in ancient Rome and the hygiene and well-being practices that were fundamental to the society of the time . These public baths were a social and cultural meeting place, where people could socialise, discuss and relax. The complex was divided into several rooms, each with a specific function.
The Terme di Piazza Duomo in Vicenza are an important piece in the puzzle of the city's history and its Roman heritage . Visiting this site allows you to immerse yourself in a distant era and appreciate the ingenuity and culture of those times.
The archaeological museum of Vicenza
The Archaeological Museum of Vicenza is a treasure trove of finds ranging from the Bronze Age to the Roman era, offering a complete overview of the history of the region. Located in a historic building in the heart of the city, the museum is an essential stop for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Vicenza's antiquity. Organized into thematic sections covering specific periods in the region's history. There are sections dedicated to the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Roman era and the late ancient period. Each section offers a detailed insight into the different cultures that have left their mark on this area.
A strong point of the museum is certainly the section dedicated to the Roman Baths of Piazza Duomo . Here, visitors will be able to learn more about daily life in ancient Rome through the well-preserved remains of this spa structure.
Vicenza: a city to discover
To discover Roman Vicenza and enjoy the city atmosphere it is advisable to dedicate a dedicated stay . Furthermore, Vicenza offers itself as a starting point for exploring different interesting areas and cities in the Veneto.
