Palazzo Chiericati

Palazzo Chiericati, a Renaissance marvel located in Vicenza's Piazza Matteotti, stands as a testament to the architectural genius of Andrea Palladio. Commissioned in the early 1550s by Count Girolamo Chiericati, this palatial residence was designed to showcase both grandeur and elegance. Its construction began in 1551 and, despite a prolonged period of incompletion, it was finally finished in the late 17th century. Today, Palazzo Chiericati serves as the historic seat of the Civic Museum, housing an impressive collection of art spanning from the late 13th to the 17th century, with a particular focus on Vicentine and Venetian painting.

The History of Palazzo Chiericati

The story of Palazzo Chiericati begins with Count Girolamo Chiericati, who inherited several old houses facing the so-called Piazza dell'Isola (now Piazza Matteotti) in 1546. This area, surrounded by the Retrone and Bacchiglione rivers, was a bustling hub for the timber and livestock market. Recognizing the potential of this prime location, Girolamo enlisted the young architect Andrea Palladio to design a residence that would reflect his status and taste.

Construction of the palazzo commenced in 1551, but progress was slow due to various interruptions, including Girolamo's death in 1557. His son Valerio took over the project, focusing on decorating the interiors with the help of renowned artists such as Ridolfi, Zelotti, Fasolo, Forbicini, and Battista Franco. Despite these efforts, the building remained incomplete for over a century, with work halting at the midpoint of the fourth span. It wasn't until around 1680 that the palazzo was finally completed, following Palladio's original designs published in his treatise I quattro libri dell'architettura in 1570.

In 1839, the Chiericati family sold the palazzo to the Municipality of Vicenza, which intended to use it to house the city's civic art collections. After extensive restorations by architects Berti and Giovanni Miglioranza, the Civic Museum was inaugurated on August 18, 1855. The museum has since expanded, incorporating significant bequests and donations, including a collection of drawings by Palladio himself.

Exploring Palazzo Chiericati

Visitors to Palazzo Chiericati are immediately struck by its imposing façade, which features a double order of loggias – a design element that was unprecedented for urban residences at the time. The central body of the building is flanked by two symmetrical wings, each with grand loggias on the noble floor. The entire structure is elevated on a podium, which not only enhances its majestic appearance but also protects it from the frequent floods and bustling market activities that once took place in the piazza below.

The ground floor of the palazzo boasts a colonnaded portico in the Doric order, complete with a classical frieze of metopes and triglyphs. The upper floor, in the Ionic order, features a continuous frieze and two elegant loggias at the ends of the façade. The harmonious proportions and intricate details of the façade reflect Palladio's mastery in blending classical elements with innovative design.

The Civic Museum Collections

Inside Palazzo Chiericati, the Civic Museum offers a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts. The museum's extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and numismatic items, as well as textiles and toys acquired through decades of acquisitions and generous donations.

The Romanesque and medieval periods are represented by various statues, sarcophagi, and 14th-century polyptychs, including the notable Legend of Saint Sylvester by Battista da Vicenza. The Renaissance collection features portraits of Vicentine nobles, medals, and works by the classicist sculptor Valerio Belli. The central hall showcases globes and allegorical paintings, providing a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits of the era.

Among the museum's highlights are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese, Van Dyck, Hans Memling, Marco Palmezzano, Sebastiano and Marco Ricci, Luca Giordano, Tiepolo, and Piazzetta. The collection also includes 33 drawings by Palladio, donated by Gaetano Pinali in 1839.

One of the most captivating rooms in the museum is adorned with Renaissance altarpieces from the now-destroyed Church of San Bartolo, featuring works by Bartolomeo Montagna, Giovanni Buonconsiglio, Cima da Conegliano, Giovanni Speranza, and Marcello Fogolino. Additionally, the museum houses seven 17th-century lunettes depicting the glorification of Venetian podestà by artists such as Jacopo Bassano, Francesco Maffei, and Giulio Carpioni.

The 18th century is well represented with landscape paintings, genre scenes, and two large altarpieces: The Immaculate Conception by Giambattista Tiepolo and Saint Francis in Ecstasy by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, both originating from the Vicentine Church of Araceli. The museum's collection is further enriched by the legacy of Marquis Giuseppe Roi, which includes works by Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Pablo Picasso, John Singer Sargent, Medardo Rosso, Giovanni Boldini, Pisanello, Garofalo, Canaletto, Giambattista Tiepolo, and antique furniture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1994, Palazzo Chiericati, along with other Palladian architectures in Vicenza, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition highlights the palazzo's significance as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and its contribution to the cultural heritage of humanity.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Palazzo Chiericati offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich artistic and architectural legacy of Vicenza. The palazzo's stunning design, combined with its impressive collections, makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting this charming Italian city.