Off A4 on Route 11, 66 km west of Venice. Inseparable from the name of Andrea Palladio and elegantly endowed with the buildings which established that architect’s reputation worldwide. See especially the palaces of Porto Festa, Thiene and Chieracati, the Loggia del Capitanato and Palladio’s last work (1580), the delightful little Olimpico theatre with its permanent audience of marble statues around the stage and the gallery.

The neighbouring countryside is dotted with aristocratic villas. Palladio’s Rotonda, 3 km south, is the supreme example. About 50 more are within easy reach, and a free booklet from the local Ente Turismo explains how to get to them.