travelswithalice

La Rotonda- also known as Villa Capra or Villa Almerico- popped up most unexpectedly as we made our way into Vicenza from our agriturismo farm.

Having just gotten off the freeway, we were intent on making out the signage to the center of town, and were totally unprepared for the massive white building that suddenly came up beside us, very close to the road, in mainly unremarkable countryside.

We had acquired new digs in town, at austere, ascetic Hotel San Raffaele on Monte Berico. The location was ideal as it placed us very close to the Palladian buildings we came to explore, as well as the Vicenzan night life we now hoped to enjoy. Having installed ourselves at our hotel, we casually drove back to inspect the villa. That day, a Wednesday, turned out to be the only day in the week when it was open to the public.