Cee, she of the weekly Fun Foto Challenge, wants all of her fellow bloggers to get out from behind the computer and go for a WALK, indoors or out.
Well, I’ve got the perfect destination for my latest installment of Vicenza Walks. If you missed an earlier one, just click HERE.
If you’ll simply put one foot in front of the other, join me as I lead the way up Monte Berico. Feel free to point-and-shoot along the way.
Monte Berico (Mount Berico), a small hill that overlooks and dominates the City of Vicenza, is part of the undulating and vast Colli Berici (Berici Hills).
Located just a short distance from the Centro Storico (Old Town), religious pilgrims, tourists and local residents alike take the steep hike up to Monte Berico’s summit to visit il Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico (the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Monte Berico), the city’s patron saint.
This is a jewel of a walk, with architectural and religious significance. Those up for the climb arrive on foot to the Sanctuary via an impressive 700-meter-long, two-sectioned archway.
Constructed to honor the Madonna, the archway was designed by architect Fracesco Muttoni and completed on March 7, 1746.
The procession-like design, consisting of 150 arches, grouped in ten, symbolizes the 15 Mysteries and 150 Hail Mary’s of the Rosary which are recited during the Stations of the Cross and other religious traditions observed by members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Fronting the Basilica is the Piazzale della Vittoria (Victory Square), a national monument dedicated on September 23, 1924 to honor Vicenza’s fallen soldiers and heroes of the numerous battles fought against the Austrian Empire during World War I.
From Piazzale della Vittoria — on a clear day — you can see just about forever from its large oval balcony: the panoramic of Vicenza below, the pre-Alps in the background to the north, and the Venetian Lagoon to the east.
Monte Berico, a must-see stop for visitors to and residents of Vicenza. I live here and never tire of the trek up and down the covered archway. Enjoy the short video from my stroll up to the summit today.
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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Lovely meander…and since it’s chilly and gloomy here, certainly wish I was following you up this path! 😀
If you ever get to Vicenza, I’ll take you up 🙂
Such a beautiful walk in a stunning city. Thank you so much for taking us with you.
Emily — Happy to have you “virtually” along 🙂
A jewel of a walk, indeed. Beautiful scenery and architecture.
Thanks, Lynne!
Thank you so much for the views, sp beautiful! Bags are packed and I’m ready to go!
Buon viaggio. Give me a jingle or drop me an email once you’re over here and let me know how your itinerary will be shaking out for May 1st.
Beautiful photos and commentary. It snowed most of today so I would have really enjoyed going on your walk with you. The sun and green leaves and flowers brightened my soul. Thanks.
Pat — No snow is here, nor Spring. Seems like she got preempted and Summer, or least really warm days, are upon us. Glad you enjoyed my latest Vicenza Walks post. Don’t forget to double-knot those shoelaces before heading out. 🙂
Wonderful!!! Your entry is so fun this week! Thanks!
Cee — Glad you enjoyed my walk up Monte Berico. Thanks for getting me out of the house! 🙂
Just found your blog. I love Vicenza!! I lived there for 3 years in the 70’s and have visited often over the years. My son and I were there several weeks ago…he hadn’t been back since he was 6 so had a great walk down memory lane and a nostalgic visit with dear Italian friends.
Helen — How nice that you found TPT. I, too, was here in Vicenza back in the 70s. Stationed here, accompanied someone or were you an employee or teacher?
I was there with my then husband who was stationed at Caserma Ederle. We lived on the economy near the stadio and tried to immerse ourselves into the culture as much as possible. I did teach on base in the Army Ed Center. Over the past 8 or 9 years I have taken small groups (mostly friends) to Italy a couple of times a year to smaller towns so they can get a true feel for the wonderful Italian people and their culture…and also see that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have an Italian adventure.
I noticed on your FB page your photo of Civita di Bagnoregio…a favorite place of mine!!
One of the best hill towns in Central Italy. Watch the video: http://thepalladiantraveler.com/good-sights/good-sights-italy-civita-di-bagnoregio/
You certainly captured the essence of Civita. Have you been to Monticchiello in the Val d’Orcia…another of my favorites!
Sadly, no, but the Val d’O is on my list.
What a beautiful place you live in, Tom. Thanks so much for the tour. 🙂