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| Province of Vicenza | |
|---|---|
| Name | Vicenza |
| Native name | Provincia di Vicenza |
| Region | Veneto |
| Capital | Vicenza |
| Area km2 | 2722 |
| Population | 868,111 |
| Population as of | 2016 |
| Communes | 120 |
| Website | Official site |
Province of Vicenza is an administrative area in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy with the city of Vicenza as its capital. Nestled between the Venetian Prealps and the Po Valley, the province combines industrial districts, historic towns, and Alpine landscapes. It is noted for its association with the architect Andrea Palladio, industrial figures like Benedetto Castiglioni, and events such as the Battle of Vicenza (medieval skirmishes) that shaped regional identity.
The province lies in northeastern Italy bordered by the provinces of Trento, Belluno, Treviso, Padua, and Verona. Major geographic features include the Berici Hills, the Euganean Hills influence to the south, and the Brenta River valley traversing the plain toward the Adriatic Sea. Notable municipalities include Bassano del Grappa, Schio, Thiene, Asiago, and Marostica, while protected areas involve parts of the Altopiano dei sette comuni and the Lessini Mountains. The climate varies from humid subtropical in the lowlands to alpine in the northern highlands, affecting viticulture in areas around Breganze, Nanto, and Schiavon.
Ancient inhabitants included Veneti (ancient people) and later incorporation into the Roman Republic and Roman Empire with settlements linked to the Roman road network such as the Via Postumia. In the Middle Ages the area fell under the influence of Byzantium and marauding powers until the rise of the Republic of Venice which established dominion and linked local economies to maritime trade via Venice. The Renaissance era saw the patronage of Andrea Palladio producing villas and urban palaces like the Villa Rotonda and Basilica palladiana in Vicenza. Napoleonic restructurings brought the province into the Kingdom of Italy (Napoleonic), followed by inclusion in the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia under the Austrian Empire. The Risorgimento and figures allied with the First Italian War of Independence and the Third Italian War of Independence integrated the province into the Kingdom of Italy. Twentieth‑century events include industrialization tied to families such as the Bertazzoni and the wartime occupations linked to battles of the Italian Campaign (World War II).
Administrative organization follows the Italian Republic framework with municipal subdivisions including Vicenza (comune), Bassano del Grappa (comune), Schio (comune), and Thiene (comune). The provincial capital, Vicenza, hosts institutions formerly aligned with provincial councils and prefectures under laws such as the Constitution of Italy and reforms like the Delrio Law affecting provinces nationwide. Local governance coordinates with regional authorities in Veneto and national departments including the Ministry of the Interior (Italy) for civil protection and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Italy) for roads and mobility.
Vicenza’s economy blends artisanal craft traditions with heavy manufacturing and modern services. Jewellery and goldsmithing centered in Valdagno and Vicenza (city) link to trade fairs similar to those in Milan and Turin. Mechanical engineering firms such as those founded by entrepreneurs in Schio and Thiene underpin the metalworking sector, while textile production historically centered in Schio ties to industrialists like the Marzotto family. Agriculture produces wines from appellations near Breganze and Colli Berici, and food specialties connect to regional markets in Padua and Venice. Tourism driven by Palladian villas, castles like Castelgomberto and events in Marostica (human chess) contributes alongside logistics hubs linked to the Autostrada A4 corridor between Milan and Venice.
The population is concentrated in urban centers such as Vicenza (comune), Bassano del Grappa (comune), Schio (comune), and Thiene (comune) with rural communities across the Berici Hills and alpine plateaus like Altopiano di Asiago. Demographic trends reflect internal migration from southern Italy during twentieth‑century industrialization and recent immigration from Romania, Albania, Philippines, and China. Cultural minorities and historical communities include families tied to local noble houses such as the Da Porto family and refugees from conflicts linked to the Balkan Wars affecting twentieth‑century movements.
Transport arteries include the Autostrada A4, linking Turin, Milan, Venice, and Trieste, and regional rail services on lines connecting Vicenza to Padua, Verona, Venice and Trento. The province is served by nearby airports such as Venice Marco Polo Airport and Verona Villafranca Airport, with freight flows to ports like Venice and intermodal centers in Padua. Local transit involves provincial roads, mountain passes to the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, and bus networks serving towns such as Bassano del Grappa and Schio.
Cultural heritage centers on the architectural legacy of Andrea Palladio visible in the Basilica palladiana, Villa Rotonda, and numerous Palladian villas of the Veneto, many recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historic towns include Vicenza (comune), Bassano del Grappa (comune) with the Ponte Vecchio (Bassano) associated with Alessandro Vittoria sculpture, Marostica with its medieval castle and human chess tradition, and Asiago known for its plateau and Asiago cheese. Museums such as the Museo Civico collections, events like the Vicenzaoro jewellery fair, and festivals linked to Carlo Goldoni and regional theater sustain cultural life. Architectural landmarks extend to castles like Castello di Thiene and villas owned historically by families such as the Porto family, while gastronomy features products like Asiago cheese and wines from Breganze DOC.