Vicenza
Welcome to Vicenza: a city of history, culture, and industry
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a beautiful city located in Veneto, Italy, my hometown: Vicenza. Also known as Vicènsa in the Venetian language, it is the capital of the province of Vicenza and has a population of over 110,000 inhabitants. It is located at the northern edge of the Po Valley, at the foot of the Berici Hills and is bathed by the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers.
The long history of Vicenza
Vicenza has an ancient history dating back to prehistoric times, but was refounded by the Romans around the mid-1st century BC. Throughout the centuries, Vicenza has always been under the control of neighboring cities, but has never been conquered by force. It was part of the Roman Empire, was under the rule of the Lombards, experienced a period of communal freedom, and gave itself voluntarily to the custody of other cities such as Padua, Cangrande della Scala, Giangaleazzo Visconti, and finally to the Serenissima Republic of Venice. In 1797, Vicenza was occupied by Napoleon and in 1815 it passed under the control of the Austrian Empire. the city fought valiantly in the Battle of Monte Berico in 1848 and only in 1866 was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
The artistic heritage of Vicenza
Vicenza is known worldwide for its artistic and cultural heritage. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the numerous architectural contributions of Andrea Palladio. Its historic center contains many monuments, churches, and palaces dating back to different historical periods, including the Olympic Theater, the Palladian Basilica, the Church of Santa Corona, and the Chiericati Palace. Vicenza is a true architectural gem and it's worth visiting to feel immersed in the beauty of the past.
The industrial city
But Vicenza is not only a historical and cultural city, it is also an important industrial center. It is mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises that focus especially on the metalworking industry, textile industry, and goldsmithery. The latter sector, in particular, accounts for more than a third of the total goldsmithery exports in the capital.
The physical geography of Vicenza
The city of Vicenza extends over an area of over 80 km² between the northern part of the Berici Hills and the eastern part of the Lessini Mountains. The southern part of the city is flat, located at an altitude of 26 m above sea level (in the Borgo Casale area), while the central part develops between 33 and 40 m above sea level among the bends of the main rivers Bacchiglione, Retrone, and Astichello. The hilly part, belonging to the northern ridges of the Berici Hills system, reaches a maximum altitude of 183 m above sea level (Monte Bella Guardia). Vicenza is a very interesting city from a geological and naturalistic point of view, with many places to discover and explore.
Vicenza and seismic risk
Regarding seismology, Vicenza has been classified as moderate seismic risk, passing from grade 3 to grade 2 on a scale of 4. This means that Vicenza is a sensitive area to earthquakes and safety measures have been adopted to protect its inhabitants.
The hydrography of Vicenza
Vicenza was built at the confluence of the Bacchiglione river with its tributary Retrone, but there are also other watercourses that cross the city, such as the Astichello river, which flows into the Bacchiglione, the Tesina river that washes the city, and the Orolo stream, which also flows into the Bacchiglione. Water is a precious resource for Vicenza and its management is essential for the health of the city.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Vicenza is a wonderful city, which hosts a great history, a rich culture, and a vital industry. If you have the opportunity to visit it, come and see it, and I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Every corner of the city is a discovery, an emotion that you can feel in every breath. Thank you for reading this report on Vicenza, my beloved city. I hope to have made you a bit curious and maybe to see you soon here enjoying the beauty of this unique place.
