I was very disappointed that I didn’t get to go in the Villa la Rotonda just outside the city of Vicenza. It was under renovation for the next three months and I could only stand outside the gates and take my photos. I was lucky enough to have a long lens with me and I could take closer photos but apart from the view from the front gate, I didn’t see anything else. I consoled myself that I at least I was able to see it even if I didn’t get to see its fabulous interiors. I was making my way to the bus stop to make my way back to the city when I decided to take the scenic route.

I met this gentleman along the way who spoke good English and he chatted me about how things are in general. He had strong opinions about certain topics though he explained his stand. We had a conversation about all sorts of things and finally he recommended that I go a certain way on the way down the hill. I ended up walking by this other villa which isn’t Palladian. The Palazzina di Villa Valmarana ai Nani is another villa built on the outskirts of Vicenza. The hills around Vicenza seem to be a great place for build these villas and it seems I found another one. Unlike the Villa la Rotonda, this one was actually open. I think it is a hotel since I see people driving in and unloading stuff.

I only stood outside the gates of the villa. I understand that there is a ticket to purchase to see inside the villa but I don’t think I have time for that. From the outside, I can immediately tell that the Villa la Rotonda is the more attractive one. From the looks of it, the villa has spacious grounds for greenery and statues which are a signature of this villa. The “ai Nani” in the name means dwarves. This is a reference to the statues of dwarves which dot the estate. I myself didn’t get to see these statues so I just have to trust them that they exist. The inside of the villa also features frescoes which might interest visitors.

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