Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza, Italy

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❖Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza, Italy, 2001[open in full screen]

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Most of the buildings on this central Vicenza square are designed by a famous Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). He is immortalized with the monument here, holding a drawing compass in his left hand and a trowel in the other. [small photo in the middle below].

All of the structures, especially Basilica, were renovated. Basilica is actually not a basilica, it is a market open on both sides toward the square. Proportions and atmosphere on this pedestrianized square were preserved, but something is still missing. Information for the square is updated in 2025, after re-reading the book "Useless Trowel" by my professor architect Bogdan Bogdanovic.

My opinion is that the missing link is some innovative way of usage. Piazza is mostly empty, even in the tourist season, and without any content. Once entering this enormous space after reaching it true narrow and dark passages, you are even more puzzled by its size.

Next Piazza Sordello, Mantova, Italy

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	8	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	10	religious	x
access & linkages	9	social	x
comfort	8	residential	x
image	10	courtyard	x
tourist value	10	with park	x
total	55	street, shopping	x