July 4, 2025 • 37 mins
Go off the beaten path in Italy's northern Veneto region and discover Vicenza, a city bursting with Renaissance treasures. Enjoy this favorite episode while we take a short mid year break.
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The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast Editing, Audio Production and Website Development by Mark Hatter. Production Assistance and Content Writing by the other Katie Clarke
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/279
NEW! - the Untold Italy app - DOWNLOAD FOR iOS • DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
The app is FREE to download and check out our Milan guide and general travel content. Upgrade to PREMIUM for a one time fee to access Rome, Florence, Venice, Sorrento, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, Tuscany, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Veneto, Lombardy, Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Abruzzo, Calabria with much more to come
Support the show
Join our mailing list and get our FREE Italy trip planning checklist - subscribe here | Join us on tour: Trip schedule | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Visit our online store | Follow: Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Italy Travel Planning Community • Online travel assistant
The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast Editing, Audio Production and Website Development by Mark Hatter. Production Assistance and Content Writing by the other Katie Clarke - yes there are two of us!
Support the show
- Subscribe to our mailing list and get our FREE Italy trip planning toolkit - subscribe here
- Need help with your trip? Check out our Trip Planning Services
- Join us on tour. Browse our Trip schedule
Editorial Information
The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast Editing, Audio Production and Website Development by Mark Hatter. Production Assistance and Content Writing by the other Katie Clarke
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Looking for an easy day trip from Venice that's come
coatured and full of history. It Senza might surprise and
enchant you with its grand architecture, quiet streets and Renaissance beauty.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Tawatuti and Benvenuti to One Told Italy, the travel podcast
to where you go to the towns and villages, mountains,
the lakes, hills and coastlines of Bella, Italia. Each week,
your host Katie Clark takes you on a journey in
a search of magical landscapes, history, culture, wine, gelato, and
(00:36):
of course, a whole lot of pasta. If you're dreaming
of Italy and planning future adventures there, you've come to
the right place.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Dreaming of arriving in Italy is strolling into a gelatia
and ordering your gelato with confidence. If you've been learning
Italian with language apps but still can't string a sentence together,
it might be time to try another approach. My friend
Michelle from Intrepid Italian offers a practical way to learn
travel ready Italian. Thanks to her unique eighty twenty method,
(01:15):
Michelle teaches you exactly what you need to know to
connect with locals and have more authentic travel experiences, there's
no getting bogged down in awkward phrases and unnecessary grammar.
As an adult learner herself with Italian heritage, Michelle really
knows how to bridge the gap between English and Italian.
As Roma from London said, the learning methodology is great.
(01:39):
I progressed much faster in the last four weeks than
I ever did on my own or using other language apps.
To find out more and claim your free Italian travel
phrase guide, visit untold Italy dot com, forward slash Italian
or visit the link in the show notes. As a bonus,
you'll also get an exclusive twenty dollars coupon code to
use on any of Michelle's online and self paced courses.
(02:01):
So visit untold Italy dot com, forward slash Italian and
accelerate your Italian language of journey Today, c our friends,
it's Katie here while I'm in Italy doing some on
the ground research and soaking up a little sunshine where
bringing back a few of our most love episodes from
the archive. This episode takes us to Vicenza, an elegant
(02:22):
city in the Veneto region that's often overlooked but well
worth a visit. You'll learn why it's a dream for
architecture lovers. How to get there from Venice and what
makes it so special? And if you're in the middle
of planning your own Italian adventure, remember we've got two
great ways to help. The Untold Italy app featuring Vicenza
is filled with curated recommendations and practical tips to make
(02:45):
your trip smoother. And if you'd like personal support, our
trip consultation services can help you bring all of your
ideas together in a plan that works. Check the links
in your podcast app for more details. Now let's explore elegant,
beautiful Vicenza. Ben Venuta is a bit. Ciao and welcome
on to the antol Italy podcast.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Glad to Katie, Hello everyone, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
Oh it's so lovely to have you join us and
I'm really excited to chat about beautiful Vicenza. But before
we dive in, would you mind introducing yourself to our
audience and telling them about what you do and how
you came to be chatting with me about Bucenza.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I'm ELIZABETHA sa Jana and I'm the CEO of Unexpected Italy.
So as a brief background, I am from Vicenza originally
that's where I was born and I grew up, but
I've got quite an international background. I've lived in between Milan, London,
Dubai and Bucenza, of course, and after setting up first
Unexpected London then Unexpected Italy, which is a national network
(03:48):
of local independent businesses from where you can stay, you
can eat, and experience that you can do, we were
contacted by the Explorer team. Explorer is a specific project
on Bichenza, which is a platform that brings together all
the unique experiences that you can do in Vicenza, which
is a very underrated but amazing and beautiful and very
(04:11):
elegant city, the Cinderella in Inveneto, because of course there
are Venice and Verona that are the most touristy cities
and vicences over often overlooked, but it's there is so
much to visit that and so this is the first
platform that really brings together all Google Guides experiences and
things you can you can do. And so given our background,
(04:33):
we've been involved in the project too fine Unexpected Thanks
so you can do and expected as well, because even
the expected things in Buchinza are unexpected.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
So that's so true. Like I am a big, big
fan of the Vineta region, and I'm sorry to say
I have not been to Vicenza, and I'm you know,
when I started researching for a talk, I was like,
oh my goodness, this is really sad. I need to
go there because I feel like the Chenza is quite
(05:02):
a big city.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Right well, the city itself is not very big, it's
like one hundred thousand inhabitants, but the area because of
course initially we got the provinces, which is a bit
difficult concept often for foreign to understand. But within Thecenza
there's not just Bcenza as a city, but there is
a whole area that comprises many gorgeous hilltop town villages
(05:25):
like Marosiga, the city of Chess, where every two years
they've got this a live chess match in the center
of Marosiga with two castles, one of the top, one
at the bottom, connected and it's beautiful. You've got Basana,
that is where Grappa is originally from, where is the
famous iconic Osama Bridge, and it's an incredible town as
(05:49):
really lively. You have a lot of fun, and it's
difficult to get out of Bassano completely sober because the
festive atmosphere wherever you go that is a really really
fun place to be. There is Asiago that is a
mountain resort. It's beautiyl, We can trek in cycle, we
can do a lot. There is the Brenta River where
you can do kayak, and of course there is a Bichenza,
(06:09):
the city of Palladio with all its beautiful villas. The
Chenza is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site because it's got
twenty four Palladian monuments and twenty six Palladian villas. All
around the territory. There are hundreds and hundreds of Venetian
villas that are inspired by Palladio, and in many of
them your original families still live in there, so you
(06:31):
can go and stay there, meet the families, meet these
noble people that are the most humble people, and have
a really unique and elegant and refined experience away from
the tourists. And the good thing about the chains is
only forty five minutes from Venice, forty five minutes from
Lake Garda, forty minutes from Verona, so it's a very
good place to actually stay to visit the Hall of
(06:51):
the Region, and half an hour from Padua. So yeah,
there is a lot to do.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
It's in the perfect spot. Really. I mean, like, I'm
just going to let you know. My first place I
ever went to in Italy was montes in it in
Lake Gada and so and then I went to v
I feel like Vicenza might be calling my name, because
when you're talking about it, I'm like, oh, because I
think these smaller cities have this charm that people are
(07:20):
really looking for because you have the size where you've
got there's lots of things to do and see, and
you've got a buzz where there's people coming and going
and doing their daily lives, and there's restaurants and these
places are the ones where I just fall in love
with Italy all over and over again, and I'm really
excited to learn so much more. So maybe if we
(07:43):
back it up a bit, because Palladium is a very
famous word in London, as we both know having both
lived there, but maybe some of our listeners don't know
so much about this famous architect from Italy.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Yeah, so Palladio is actually one of the greatest architecture
that ever existed, so especially for Americans, just to as
something to start with. The White House without Palladia wouldn't
exist because the White House is inspired by lad Adonda,
that is Palladio's most famous villa, that is just five
minutes drive outside of the Chenza, and it's got exactly
(08:20):
the same shape. And as you said, even in London
there is so much inspired by Aladio or the most
famous architects here from Christopher ren for example, is inspired
by Palladio and Oxmore and many more. And he was
born in the Cenza. He died in around fifteen eighty five.
(08:41):
There is a bit of a mystery about his sass
On Explorer, you can find a tour about how did
he die, because we don't know how he actually died.
But the last thing he created was the Olympic Theater
in the Chenza, which is the most ancient indoor theater
in the world. And three D is just amazing and
(09:02):
so you actually can walk in the theater and there
are lots of different streets on the stage and it's
just an amazing And that's the last one he did,
and he didn't He died before he was actually finished,
so he didn't see it finished. But in the Chensa
is city of Palladians, so the architecture all over, So
anybody who loves architecture. They can't come to itally and
(09:23):
not see the Chenzor because it's a real, real hidden
gem and it is the city of one of the
most the greatest architects of history.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Did he teach himself or where was he educated to
build this impressive body of work.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
He studied from some great local architects in the area,
but it was a lot even self taught and a
lot of genius going on with him. And he was
also working with other architect like Scamozzi is one that
very few people know about, but if you go around
the chens there is a lot about it. Another very
famous architect is a Scalper. It's quite an incredible spot
(10:00):
for architecture.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And so I'm wondering what was driving this investment in architecture,
because you know, obviously in close buying Venice, you have
all the trade and a lot of money coming in
from trade all over the world. What was happening in
Vicenza that they could build these amazing villas.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
The chevas a bit the second Venice. Let's say, lots
of nobles from Venice would come and create villas in Vicenza.
So for example, the leval Madana Nani that is a
beautiful villain right next door to to La Rotonda that
is completely frescoed by Tiepo that is a Renaissance artist,
one of the greatest of all times again and it's
(10:43):
completely fresco and he's still run by the same Valmarana
family who originally created it. So there were all these
noble families that would have second house inland away from Venice,
and so there wasn't this stillness. The CNZA is a
very a very rich area, and that I think is
part of the reason why it's not very touristic, because
(11:06):
they're not that sort of interested in tourism because it's
a city of gold, it's a city of the leather
of marble, so that the industry is very very rich,
let's say. But this makes it a very interesting sort
of area in the spot. But yeah, it originates for
this reason because.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Many noble families, especially from Venice, would come there and
so they would invest in these incredible architects to build
their houses and villas.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
So they summer in Viuchinza. I can understand that. I mean,
it would get very very hot un the lagoon, and
it does still today, so no wonder they want and
you know, you can't really get a lot of space
in Veness, no matter how high do you try, So
I'm sure you get a lot more space Induchenza as well.
So obviously, with like so many beautiful buildings that are
(11:59):
very outwar, you need a lot of artisans. And you
mentioned that there are goldsmiths and marble and leather, leather.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
Yeah, I actually come from Abana, which is the European
capital of leather, which is within the chance of a
chance of province and so it's it is the city
of leathers.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
Oh and it still continues to this day, which I think.
I think that's a very charming thing about Italy is
that there are people that continue these traditions and these
crafts and even you know, younger people, which I think
this is very special and people have a very strong
pride about that. In a culture where you know, everyone's
(12:40):
online buying cheap stuff from Zara, this is taking the
time to make something special is really something to be cherished,
I think, And that's why I always come home with
a massive bag full of stuff from me. I always
have to buy another suitcase because I've always bought things
(13:00):
that have been specially hairmade.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Well done done, well, the trends has been really good
into turning local artisan and craftsmanship into an industry, because yes,
you find the local artisans, but I mean the leather
industry is very big, likewise marble and lackwise gold, so
they have turned it into an industry, but it's still
family run businesses, so find lots of young people work
(13:25):
in there. We are always looking for those local workshops
where you can see craftsmen and work, and there are
some really really nice ones, from photographers to craftsmen that
work copper right in the center of the chain said
of course, anything to do with textile and fashion. Who
still make carpets, ladies, they're making carpets via and you
(13:49):
still find these hidden gens that personally I just love
because it's like sepping into a world of passion and
expertise and knowledge that it's very to fight. Luckily Italy,
as you were saying, I mean ninety five percent of
Italian business is our still fumily run. So luckily Italy
compared to many other countries, is managing to keep all
(14:10):
these local gents. But we need to get together.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
And really start promoting them and supporting them, otherwise they
will disappear, and that's the big thing of what we
want to do.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Yeah, and I think it's really interesting how some countries,
and in this includes my own, is that you know,
we have a lot of talents and it's maybe not
until someone from abroad recognizes them and sees them as
valuable that we recognize them ourselves. So as visitors, you know,
if we can choose to go and see these places
(14:44):
and then people will sort of take notice and say,
oh wow, you know, this is interesting to other people
because you know, Italy itself has a very strong tradition
of you know, obviously very high in luxury brands that
do a very very good job. But I mean, I
think it's that next level down is that's where you
get some of the most beautiful things, you know, ceramics
(15:04):
and leather, and I'm sure they make shoes and bags
in Viucenza.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
The leather, I mean, Vicenza is even more for cars
and airplanes and all of that. So the next level,
but you just mentioned ceramics in Vicenza, there is Novit
that is a very little town near the san and
it's the city of ceramics, and there are still two
hundred and fifty manufacturers and you still see ceramists at work,
and you see these incredible some de use factories, like
(15:34):
with ovens that are like three floors ovens where they
used to cook ceramics. Now you still see some incredible
ceramis at work. The key for me is those artisans
that manage to preserve the tradition but innovate it. And
so you see some of these artisans that really create
really modern things but using ancient techniques, which is where
(15:57):
it should be going to appeal to a younger appreciate
these things.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
Yeah, you've touched on something that I'm really passionate about too.
And I think you know, Italy is you know, you
do have this strong sense of tradition, but I think
sometimes people miss that it's a very modern country. And
I guess what you're saying is Vichensa is really the
epitome of that. You know, you have people working on
these beautiful creations with modern sensibilities, but you've got also
(16:26):
this amazing technique and I don't I think you know,
if you look at some of these you know, as
you mentioned the car brands and aeronautics and things like that,
I think a lot of people don't know that Italy
is like a real driving force behind that, and I'm
very passionate to get people to see different sides of Italy.
So I love Milan, for example, because it's a fun,
(16:51):
modern city, and I know for some people go there
and they go, oh, that wasn't what I was expecting.
And it's like Italy is a lot more than just
small cute feeladies. It's like these amazing patchwork of exciting
modern things that are happening plus ancient traditions, and that's
(17:12):
I mean, that's why I love it. So I'm very intrigued.
I think I need to change our whole itinery income
to Euchenza right now. So if we're going to spend
a few days there is a bitter how would we
go about it? What will we do?
Speaker 3 (17:27):
What we always say? It really depends who you are
as a clubler. Like for you, you said you're you
like ceramics, so of course I would add in like
not that into your ipinery. But in general, let's say
the must see and the most let's say popular things
are of course in the center of Eachenza, which is
the tens, is very easy to get to from both
(17:47):
Venice and Verona by train is really really easy and
very cheap. And that's the other thing about the Chenzes,
because it's a not touristy. You don't get into tourist
traps and so it's you just pay as locals and
you and you eat as a local, and you you
can shop as a local and everything. So you can
get there by train, you can easily walk to the.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
To the center, and they have to see the Olympic Theater,
which is the.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Most ancient indoor theater in the war. There is the
Basilica Palladiana in the main Signor square where there are
two Unesco Heritage one opposite the other. In the Basilica
there are very two fun spots because there is the
first every jazz club inside Unesco Heritage in Italy, which
support Barborsun and there you can have from branch to
(18:38):
lunch to dinner and even amazing cocktails. And in summer,
if you're lucky, so you get there on Friday, Saturday
or Sunday, the terrace of the Basilica is open and
you can have one of the most incredible apperatives with
the view all over the Chenza, these played and statues,
it's it's really dreamy spot to have your your strengths,
(18:59):
because of course Breats is from our area and you
get spritss around u Chenza for as little as three euros,
and so that's when when I go.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Outside of my area, I never have sprints because I
don't accept paying the same.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
For a sprits as a cocktail, because from me, spirits
is an aperative, and that's why it's risky coming to
the Genza, especially like summer. There is another interesting that
I will talk about it later that there are peratives
connected to the Grappa. And so going back, sorry to
your question, Basilica Paladiana Olympic Theater in Buchenza, just outside
(19:33):
of Gensa, there is bill A val Madana Nani that
is completely trest good by Ceppelo and it's the only
example in the world where both father and son of
Chepelo painted these beautiful halls. Next door there is Villa
Rotonda and this is in Bceenza. So in the Chenza
you can go around. I would always recommend saying at
least one night if you want to see all of
(19:56):
the Genza, then you can go, of course to Basa Marostica,
which are two really really gorgeous towns where you can
have both juniary experiences and just culture in general. It's
really good for the more sporty ones. There is kayaking
in the river Printer and Asiago for anybody who loves cycling,
(20:18):
nature walking. There are the malgi that is like cattle farms,
the mountain huts they're only opening summer and there you
can see all the cattles there they're staying there from
spring to autumn. And there there is where they make
milk butter cheese. The Asiago cheese is very famous comes
from there and so and it's a very relaxing and
(20:41):
art of this world experience. And Asiago is also because
of course we think about different targets in terms, for
example of accessible tourism, Asiago is a true excellence. Just
to give you a little story that always touches my art.
In Asiago, there is this local association of ski instructors.
Because you can ski and children that can't walk, label
(21:04):
children on wheelchairs, they learn to skip. They can stand
and skip thanks to this technique that they've developed and
so and there is a lot about making the holidays
fantastic for everyone and anyone. So that's why I always say,
it's so that destination that embraces every heart. It's very
special for that. So of course it's not like Portina
(21:25):
that it's like really steep slopes and everything. But for
somebody who loved nature relapsed and skiing, they're not really
difficult levels. That is the perfect destination.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
That sounds like me. I am not very good at
ski but at the cheese is so so delicious. I
love it. It's a really quite creamy, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
There are various types of the there's it's old, extra
old or young one. So it depends how old it is.
So the order it gets, the more extra veg one,
the extra old one. It's quite similar to parmes and
cheese when you when you have it, so then there
are lots of other different cheeses in the area. There's
more there many other cheese.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Yes, I mean I can imagine if you were coming
from Venice and you probably because we're inland, right, I
think that's where we didn't really mention that we're actually
inland from Venice. So and it's on the river, right,
is that is that right?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Well, there is the river going through Barsano well, also
in Bucenza, yes, it's a right in between Venice and Verona.
So if you go from Venice to Verona, which is
something that very often tourists do, Theucenza is right in
the middle. And it's also forty five minutes from Lake
Guard as well, so but yeah, it is. It is inland.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Everyone's probably got their hair on their phone at that
point get off the train. So we talked about the cheese.
What you know, everyone, everyone's going to Italy for the food,
all right, and we've been educating our listeners on these podcasts.
It's not Italian food, it's regional food. So what are
(23:09):
some of the regional dishes that we have in Bichinza
that we should definitely try apart from the cheese, So.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
It was probably the most famous local dish is baccala alavicentina,
which is dogfish and it stays in waterlight for three
days and then you simmer it in milk. I'm not
a cooker a chef, so I can't give you the example.
There is actually the coon and actually a local association
that is only for a baccala where you can find
(23:38):
the best local restaurants where you can go and eat
baccala agentina so that is probably the most famous dish.
But then aside from that, as I said, the cheese,
this is suppressor. That is a very typical salami from
the area that you can have either with polenta of
course we are in the north of Italy and polenta
is very popular, or canby scott that there is a
(23:59):
specific kind of bread that is baked twice, biscott On
cooked twice and it's very hard and it's really nice
to observe it for a long time and it's quite typical,
like we've got one a baked that just does that
just makes them discot And then based on the season
when you are in Vicenza, so if you're like in
(24:19):
the spring, the white sparagus of Bassano that are incredible
in the risotto in pasta, or just sparagus because they're
really thick and you can have them with eggs. In
June July, there are the cherries in Marostica that are
really big, nice and juicy. Then drink as well if
you're interested about.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Oh yes, yes, we need to know about the wine.
Speaker 3 (24:43):
The chainsa. It's not many cities like the change the
five areas, five different areas for wine. The produce five
different kind of wine, and so we have Thai that
is tyrolso Antai Bianco that is a specific one from
the area Durrello that is a bit similar to Prosecco,
(25:03):
but with specific grape from the Durrello area. And then
there is Braganza, the Braganza wine that is a big
area and the British win as well. There's a Richotto
from Gambalada that is a sweet wine. It's really really nice.
And then we cannot mention Grappa that is especially you
(25:23):
can begger and visit Narbini that is the oldest distillery
in Italy and the oldest grappa distillery in the world,
because grap can only be from from Italy, and the
meds and Mezzo there is another peritive only Bassano, you
can find it and Ardini it's made locally from Ladina
and you the best experience in Basano is having a
mezza Mezza on the bridge overlooking mountains and the river Mets.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Does that mean it has maybe some soda water or.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
It's got soda water. Dini Rosso that is a liquia
specific for it, and Vinni rabarbar rubab liqure.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
I'm so dam I know I need to try this.
This sounds amazing. I love rubab because the thing is
that I think Grappa I find Grubber a bit like,
well that's a bit much for me. But if it's
like you know, you've got a few little extras, you know,
like ruberb oh that sounds.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
And there's Talia tel as well, now the Demi Liqueur
that is not as strong as Grupper and I'm like
Tala Tella, like the passage the first time they said,
you want to tell you tell us no, no, already
eaten no, it's cure.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
It just sounds like it's a very elegant place. And
I'm really wondering, with so many beautiful buildings, why the
instagrammers haven't discovered it yet, But we won't tell them.
And there's some lovely hotels in the center of town,
that is it the sort of historic ones.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
Well, there are more than hotels. There are like Bnb's
flats where you can stay. There are some hotels, but
just outside of the China, within.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Very easy reach, there some beautiful villas and I think
that is always very nice to stay at a mobile
villa and for a very reasonable price, to be honest, Now,
in the prices are everywhere, there are very reasonable prices.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
You have the choice.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
We like the historic, you know, like a boutique style hotel,
and it sounds like these villas are exactly the type
of thing that we enjoy. And so if you were
staying in one of those, would you need a car
or is it easy to get around by transport?
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Well, if you say one of the ones in the center,
then of course you don't need a car, and you're
just saying the chance. If you want to visit a
whole area, then a car is much easier because, as
it often happens in Italy, if you really want to
see the unseen bits is very it's the best thing
is getting it put Yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Yeah, And I think that's that's an interesting conundrum that
people have. I'm sure you know these smaller cities they're
not that difficult to drive, and I do it myself.
It's when you start getting into Rome and Naples where
they go find out.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
Driving in the north of Italy is is completely different
than driving in the south. I personally don't drive in
like in Pulia, and I've got a Pullian husband, so
I'm often there and elect him driver and is said,
in the north is very easy to drive, and especially
in Chenza, not being very busy, it's very easy. And yeah,
(28:25):
you don't need to be worried about driving in Vicenza.
And you can discover so many more things, even local
small secret wineries. And I haven't mentioned that, surprise, surprise,
Vicenza has the original castles of Rome and Juliet. Everyone
goes to Verona to see the fake balcony that was
(28:45):
built in nineteen thirty five just for tourists, and nobody
comes to see the real castles that are. And there
is this story about this noble that was living in
this beautiful villa overlooking these two castles on two different hills,
and he wrote this novel about these two lovers leaving
these two different castles. And then Shakespeare read the novel
Honey Road Roman Juliet. So the original castles that inspired
(29:09):
Roman Juliet are in monteko Major. In fact, Romeo's surname
is Montickey than in Italian. Wanted you in English Major
is where the castles are, and you can visit them.
Under those castles. This is for very few people, but
there is a very secret wine cellar. It's only for
private things, so not everybody can go there, but it's
(29:33):
really really nice. It's three hundred meters of cakes, with
the wines, with the local it's courts fumante, but it's
like Champagne of the area, really really nice. That is
something that I can assure you're not even logos because
we've spoken to quite a few locals, because there are
no signs outside, so it's it's a very hidden, hidden gym.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
That sounds magical. I mean, that's Shakespeare. He didn't even
go to each so he was he was just borrowing
left right and the center is Shakespeare. But you know,
if you go to Verona and you see and everyone
goes to the balcony, even if they don't want to,
it's like I'm putting my hand up. But I mean,
(30:17):
I think it is such a iconic story, and you know,
to see the place that inspired it would be so beautiful.
And these stories that they permeate and then they just
sort of snowball throughout history and they get sort of
adopted and changed. But sometimes it's nice to go back
to the origin and see where it all was.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Half off, the Verona has been great than doing marketing,
and you yet, I mean he's based in Shakespeare read
it is based in Rona, but there's no House of Juliet.
But it was inspired by these two castles, and I
always find it incredible that nobody knows about them.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Yeah, I think in Italy, I mean, it's a challenge,
isn't it, because there are so many beautiful things and
there's so many tasty things, and it really what I've
discovered over the years is that it comes down to
how good the marketing is, you know, and you know,
places like you know, Tuscany do an amazing job with
your marketing, and I just feel maybe we need to
(31:18):
be a little bit savvier and look beyond that. And
it's harder in the Internet age to do that. And
I really appreciate you joining us to share this beautiful
part of the world, because you know, otherwise we don't know.
How do we know? Because if you google top ten
things to do in Italy, please don't do that, by
(31:39):
the way, You're not going to find it. It'll see
the same old places that everyone's going to. And we know,
and everyone's listening on the podcast knows that we can
find some amazing, amazing places to go to that you know,
will just inspire you, and you didn't even know that
you were going to be inspired in that way, Elizabeth,
(32:00):
is there anything else you'd like to share about beautiful
Pichinza with us?
Speaker 3 (32:05):
Yeah, I mean as I as I said, Well, I
spoke about nother the city of ceramics. I spoke about
Bassano and if you love ceramics, in Bassana there is
another hidden gym an insurance company turned into a ceramic museum.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Why not.
Speaker 3 (32:21):
Yeah. Oh, there is one of the most beautiful libraries
in the world according to the New York Times Independent
libraries of the world according to the New York Times
in Bassana, it's called Palazzo Roberti. And another unique local
excellence is to Safti that is printing, a paper printing
company and it's really fascinating, run again by father and
(32:42):
daughter and it's it's beautiful. So yeah, there is there
is a lot to discover behind because even in Bassano,
people that go they see the river under bridge and
they think that they have a spirit for a mezzo mezzo,
which is which are mass there, but they don't really
go beyond that to do am personally very in love
(33:03):
with with it is a place where I could actually
think of movie.
Speaker 1 (33:09):
You seem like someone who doesn't who's who's always getting
itchy feed, So that sounds like a big statement.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
It's difficult to decide where to settle because, like lots
of people ask us, where will you set after this
five year journeys, I have no idea.
Speaker 3 (33:22):
I always thought Milan, because I like you, I really
like Milan. But it depends where you look after. But
then it has got a very good cost of living
sort of Milan is really expensive, it said then to
get a lot for your money.
Speaker 1 (33:39):
Oh well, it does sound like it has it all.
Romeo and Juliet, Renaissance palaces, delicious cheese, three europl spritzers,
I mean, and on Basilica as well. That sounds very intriguing.
You know, I think you know, if it's under an
hour by training for venice, you don't need to be
too adventurous to try that. You can go on a
day treat if you if you want to. And you
(34:01):
know what, I'm just going to get out of the
map and see how i can wiggle this into My
husband will be.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
Like, what are you doing again?
Speaker 1 (34:12):
This sounds absolutely beautiful, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for
sharing your hometown and with us today. And I'm sure
our listeners would love to know a little bit more
about the GENSA and the work you're doing to promote
the city. How can they stay in touch with you?
Speaker 3 (34:27):
Yeah, so they can visit the website explorer dot it
and so they can see all the various experiences that
they can they can do, and of course if they
want to see other things about Italy, we are Unexpected Italy,
but specifically go on the Chenza for experiences, Explorer dot
it and on all social media as well, so from
(34:48):
Instagram to Facebook you can find you can find it.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Yeah, and of course we will share the links for
everyone on our website or even can have access to
and just start dreaming. I'll tell you what you just
get on actually get on Instagram or get on Google
and have a little look on the images there and
you'll be like, hmmm, why was this hiding in plain sight?
That's what I was thinking. Grants you, Elizabetha, thank you
(35:16):
so much for joining us on Untold Italy.
Speaker 3 (35:19):
Thank you goodbyte.
Speaker 1 (35:22):
So everyone a challenge for you. Report back if you
visit Picenza and let me know what you loved about
this beautiful city. I have busily been trying to find
a spot for it in our current itinery because I
simply adore this area of Italy and I feel like
I have missed out by not seeing Ficenza myself. How
delightful to have a little pocket full of beautiful architecture
(35:44):
and art, wine and food just sitting there waiting to
be discovered. As always, we provided a list of the places, foods,
and wines mentioned in this episode, as well as Elizabetta's
details and the Explorer website in our comprehensive show notes
at Untold Italy dot com forward slash one nine zero
for episode one hundred and ninety. Now we spend a
(36:05):
lot of time on these notes so that you can
relax and listen to the episode. Plus, it can be
tricky trying to jot down Italian names when you're on
the go. I'm sure you'll agree, Groutz here thanks for
your ongoing support of Untold Italy. We truly appreciate all
of you, our listeners, joining us from around the world.
If you do have a spare moment, it would be
greatly appreciated if you left us a five star rating
(36:27):
and review on your favorite podcast app. That way, we
can reach more Italy loving travelers just like you, and
raise the profile of our wonderful guests. That's all for today.
Next week I'll be in Italy, hooray, so we're going
to share one of my favorite episodes that just happens
to be super useful too. But until then, it's chow
(36:48):
for now. The Untold Italy podcast is an independent production
podcast editing, audio production and website development by Mark Hatter,
Production assistance and content right the other Kat Clark, Yes
there are two of us. For more information about Untold Italy,
please visit Untold Italy dot com
Looking for an easy day trip from Venice that's come
coatured and full of history. It Senza might surprise and
enchant you with its grand architecture, quiet streets and Renaissance beauty.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Tawatuti and Benvenuti to One Told Italy, the travel podcast
to where you go to the towns and villages, mountains,
the lakes, hills and coastlines of Bella, Italia. Each week,
your host Katie Clark takes you on a journey in
a search of magical landscapes, history, culture, wine, gelato, and
(00:36):
of course, a whole lot of pasta. If you're dreaming
of Italy and planning future adventures there, you've come to
the right place.
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Dreaming of arriving in Italy is strolling into a gelatia
and ordering your gelato with confidence. If you've been learning
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it might be time to try another approach. My friend
Michelle from Intrepid Italian offers a practical way to learn
travel ready Italian. Thanks to her unique eighty twenty method,
(01:15):
Michelle teaches you exactly what you need to know to
connect with locals and have more authentic travel experiences, there's
no getting bogged down in awkward phrases and unnecessary grammar.
As an adult learner herself with Italian heritage, Michelle really
knows how to bridge the gap between English and Italian.
As Roma from London said, the learning methodology is great.
(01:39):
I progressed much faster in the last four weeks than
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To find out more and claim your free Italian travel
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or visit the link in the show notes. As a bonus,
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use on any of Michelle's online and self paced courses.
(02:01):
So visit untold Italy dot com, forward slash Italian and
accelerate your Italian language of journey Today, c our friends,
it's Katie here while I'm in Italy doing some on
the ground research and soaking up a little sunshine where
bringing back a few of our most love episodes from
the archive. This episode takes us to Vicenza, an elegant
(02:22):
city in the Veneto region that's often overlooked but well
worth a visit. You'll learn why it's a dream for
architecture lovers. How to get there from Venice and what
makes it so special? And if you're in the middle
of planning your own Italian adventure, remember we've got two
great ways to help. The Untold Italy app featuring Vicenza
is filled with curated recommendations and practical tips to make
(02:45):
your trip smoother. And if you'd like personal support, our
trip consultation services can help you bring all of your
ideas together in a plan that works. Check the links
in your podcast app for more details. Now let's explore elegant,
beautiful Vicenza. Ben Venuta is a bit. Ciao and welcome
on to the antol Italy podcast.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Glad to Katie, Hello everyone, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
Oh it's so lovely to have you join us and
I'm really excited to chat about beautiful Vicenza. But before
we dive in, would you mind introducing yourself to our
audience and telling them about what you do and how
you came to be chatting with me about Bucenza.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I'm ELIZABETHA sa Jana and I'm the CEO of Unexpected Italy.
So as a brief background, I am from Vicenza originally
that's where I was born and I grew up, but
I've got quite an international background. I've lived in between Milan, London,
Dubai and Bucenza, of course, and after setting up first
Unexpected London then Unexpected Italy, which is a national network
(03:48):
of local independent businesses from where you can stay, you
can eat, and experience that you can do, we were
contacted by the Explorer team. Explorer is a specific project
on Bichenza, which is a platform that brings together all
the unique experiences that you can do in Vicenza, which
is a very underrated but amazing and beautiful and very
(04:11):
elegant city, the Cinderella in Inveneto, because of course there
are Venice and Verona that are the most touristy cities
and vicences over often overlooked, but it's there is so
much to visit that and so this is the first
platform that really brings together all Google Guides experiences and
things you can you can do. And so given our background,
(04:33):
we've been involved in the project too fine Unexpected Thanks
so you can do and expected as well, because even
the expected things in Buchinza are unexpected.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
So that's so true. Like I am a big, big
fan of the Vineta region, and I'm sorry to say
I have not been to Vicenza, and I'm you know,
when I started researching for a talk, I was like,
oh my goodness, this is really sad. I need to
go there because I feel like the Chenza is quite
(05:02):
a big city.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Right well, the city itself is not very big, it's
like one hundred thousand inhabitants, but the area because of
course initially we got the provinces, which is a bit
difficult concept often for foreign to understand. But within Thecenza
there's not just Bcenza as a city, but there is
a whole area that comprises many gorgeous hilltop town villages
(05:25):
like Marosiga, the city of Chess, where every two years
they've got this a live chess match in the center
of Marosiga with two castles, one of the top, one
at the bottom, connected and it's beautiful. You've got Basana,
that is where Grappa is originally from, where is the
famous iconic Osama Bridge, and it's an incredible town as
(05:49):
really lively. You have a lot of fun, and it's
difficult to get out of Bassano completely sober because the
festive atmosphere wherever you go that is a really really
fun place to be. There is Asiago that is a
mountain resort. It's beautiyl, We can trek in cycle, we
can do a lot. There is the Brenta River where
you can do kayak, and of course there is a Bichenza,
(06:09):
the city of Palladio with all its beautiful villas. The
Chenza is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site because it's got
twenty four Palladian monuments and twenty six Palladian villas. All
around the territory. There are hundreds and hundreds of Venetian
villas that are inspired by Palladio, and in many of
them your original families still live in there, so you
(06:31):
can go and stay there, meet the families, meet these
noble people that are the most humble people, and have
a really unique and elegant and refined experience away from
the tourists. And the good thing about the chains is
only forty five minutes from Venice, forty five minutes from
Lake Garda, forty minutes from Verona, so it's a very
good place to actually stay to visit the Hall of
(06:51):
the Region, and half an hour from Padua. So yeah,
there is a lot to do.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
It's in the perfect spot. Really. I mean, like, I'm
just going to let you know. My first place I
ever went to in Italy was montes in it in
Lake Gada and so and then I went to v
I feel like Vicenza might be calling my name, because
when you're talking about it, I'm like, oh, because I
think these smaller cities have this charm that people are
(07:20):
really looking for because you have the size where you've
got there's lots of things to do and see, and
you've got a buzz where there's people coming and going
and doing their daily lives, and there's restaurants and these
places are the ones where I just fall in love
with Italy all over and over again, and I'm really
excited to learn so much more. So maybe if we
(07:43):
back it up a bit, because Palladium is a very
famous word in London, as we both know having both
lived there, but maybe some of our listeners don't know
so much about this famous architect from Italy.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Yeah, so Palladio is actually one of the greatest architecture
that ever existed, so especially for Americans, just to as
something to start with. The White House without Palladia wouldn't
exist because the White House is inspired by lad Adonda,
that is Palladio's most famous villa, that is just five
minutes drive outside of the Chenza, and it's got exactly
(08:20):
the same shape. And as you said, even in London
there is so much inspired by Aladio or the most
famous architects here from Christopher ren for example, is inspired
by Palladio and Oxmore and many more. And he was
born in the Cenza. He died in around fifteen eighty five.
(08:41):
There is a bit of a mystery about his sass
On Explorer, you can find a tour about how did
he die, because we don't know how he actually died.
But the last thing he created was the Olympic Theater
in the Chenza, which is the most ancient indoor theater
in the world. And three D is just amazing and
(09:02):
so you actually can walk in the theater and there
are lots of different streets on the stage and it's
just an amazing And that's the last one he did,
and he didn't He died before he was actually finished,
so he didn't see it finished. But in the Chensa
is city of Palladians, so the architecture all over, So
anybody who loves architecture. They can't come to itally and
(09:23):
not see the Chenzor because it's a real, real hidden
gem and it is the city of one of the
most the greatest architects of history.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Did he teach himself or where was he educated to
build this impressive body of work.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
He studied from some great local architects in the area,
but it was a lot even self taught and a
lot of genius going on with him. And he was
also working with other architect like Scamozzi is one that
very few people know about, but if you go around
the chens there is a lot about it. Another very
famous architect is a Scalper. It's quite an incredible spot
(10:00):
for architecture.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And so I'm wondering what was driving this investment in architecture,
because you know, obviously in close buying Venice, you have
all the trade and a lot of money coming in
from trade all over the world. What was happening in
Vicenza that they could build these amazing villas.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
The chevas a bit the second Venice. Let's say, lots
of nobles from Venice would come and create villas in Vicenza.
So for example, the leval Madana Nani that is a
beautiful villain right next door to to La Rotonda that
is completely frescoed by Tiepo that is a Renaissance artist,
one of the greatest of all times again and it's
(10:43):
completely fresco and he's still run by the same Valmarana
family who originally created it. So there were all these
noble families that would have second house inland away from Venice,
and so there wasn't this stillness. The CNZA is a
very a very rich area, and that I think is
part of the reason why it's not very touristic, because
(11:06):
they're not that sort of interested in tourism because it's
a city of gold, it's a city of the leather
of marble, so that the industry is very very rich,
let's say. But this makes it a very interesting sort
of area in the spot. But yeah, it originates for
this reason because.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Many noble families, especially from Venice, would come there and
so they would invest in these incredible architects to build
their houses and villas.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
So they summer in Viuchinza. I can understand that. I mean,
it would get very very hot un the lagoon, and
it does still today, so no wonder they want and
you know, you can't really get a lot of space
in Veness, no matter how high do you try, So
I'm sure you get a lot more space Induchenza as well.
So obviously, with like so many beautiful buildings that are
(11:59):
very outwar, you need a lot of artisans. And you
mentioned that there are goldsmiths and marble and leather, leather.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
Yeah, I actually come from Abana, which is the European
capital of leather, which is within the chance of a
chance of province and so it's it is the city
of leathers.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
Oh and it still continues to this day, which I think.
I think that's a very charming thing about Italy is
that there are people that continue these traditions and these
crafts and even you know, younger people, which I think
this is very special and people have a very strong
pride about that. In a culture where you know, everyone's
(12:40):
online buying cheap stuff from Zara, this is taking the
time to make something special is really something to be cherished,
I think, And that's why I always come home with
a massive bag full of stuff from me. I always
have to buy another suitcase because I've always bought things
(13:00):
that have been specially hairmade.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Well done done, well, the trends has been really good
into turning local artisan and craftsmanship into an industry, because yes,
you find the local artisans, but I mean the leather
industry is very big, likewise marble and lackwise gold, so
they have turned it into an industry, but it's still
family run businesses, so find lots of young people work
(13:25):
in there. We are always looking for those local workshops
where you can see craftsmen and work, and there are
some really really nice ones, from photographers to craftsmen that
work copper right in the center of the chain said
of course, anything to do with textile and fashion. Who
still make carpets, ladies, they're making carpets via and you
(13:49):
still find these hidden gens that personally I just love
because it's like sepping into a world of passion and
expertise and knowledge that it's very to fight. Luckily Italy,
as you were saying, I mean ninety five percent of
Italian business is our still fumily run. So luckily Italy
compared to many other countries, is managing to keep all
(14:10):
these local gents. But we need to get together.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
And really start promoting them and supporting them, otherwise they
will disappear, and that's the big thing of what we
want to do.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Yeah, and I think it's really interesting how some countries,
and in this includes my own, is that you know,
we have a lot of talents and it's maybe not
until someone from abroad recognizes them and sees them as
valuable that we recognize them ourselves. So as visitors, you know,
if we can choose to go and see these places
(14:44):
and then people will sort of take notice and say,
oh wow, you know, this is interesting to other people
because you know, Italy itself has a very strong tradition
of you know, obviously very high in luxury brands that
do a very very good job. But I mean, I
think it's that next level down is that's where you
get some of the most beautiful things, you know, ceramics
(15:04):
and leather, and I'm sure they make shoes and bags
in Viucenza.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
The leather, I mean, Vicenza is even more for cars
and airplanes and all of that. So the next level,
but you just mentioned ceramics in Vicenza, there is Novit
that is a very little town near the san and
it's the city of ceramics, and there are still two
hundred and fifty manufacturers and you still see ceramists at work,
and you see these incredible some de use factories, like
(15:34):
with ovens that are like three floors ovens where they
used to cook ceramics. Now you still see some incredible
ceramis at work. The key for me is those artisans
that manage to preserve the tradition but innovate it. And
so you see some of these artisans that really create
really modern things but using ancient techniques, which is where
(15:57):
it should be going to appeal to a younger appreciate
these things.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
Yeah, you've touched on something that I'm really passionate about too.
And I think you know, Italy is you know, you
do have this strong sense of tradition, but I think
sometimes people miss that it's a very modern country. And
I guess what you're saying is Vichensa is really the
epitome of that. You know, you have people working on
these beautiful creations with modern sensibilities, but you've got also
(16:26):
this amazing technique and I don't I think you know,
if you look at some of these you know, as
you mentioned the car brands and aeronautics and things like that,
I think a lot of people don't know that Italy
is like a real driving force behind that, and I'm
very passionate to get people to see different sides of Italy.
So I love Milan, for example, because it's a fun,
(16:51):
modern city, and I know for some people go there
and they go, oh, that wasn't what I was expecting.
And it's like Italy is a lot more than just
small cute feeladies. It's like these amazing patchwork of exciting
modern things that are happening plus ancient traditions, and that's
(17:12):
I mean, that's why I love it. So I'm very intrigued.
I think I need to change our whole itinery income
to Euchenza right now. So if we're going to spend
a few days there is a bitter how would we
go about it? What will we do?
Speaker 3 (17:27):
What we always say? It really depends who you are
as a clubler. Like for you, you said you're you
like ceramics, so of course I would add in like
not that into your ipinery. But in general, let's say
the must see and the most let's say popular things
are of course in the center of Eachenza, which is
the tens, is very easy to get to from both
(17:47):
Venice and Verona by train is really really easy and
very cheap. And that's the other thing about the Chenzes,
because it's a not touristy. You don't get into tourist
traps and so it's you just pay as locals and
you and you eat as a local, and you you
can shop as a local and everything. So you can
get there by train, you can easily walk to the.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
To the center, and they have to see the Olympic Theater,
which is the.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Most ancient indoor theater in the war. There is the
Basilica Palladiana in the main Signor square where there are
two Unesco Heritage one opposite the other. In the Basilica
there are very two fun spots because there is the
first every jazz club inside Unesco Heritage in Italy, which
support Barborsun and there you can have from branch to
(18:38):
lunch to dinner and even amazing cocktails. And in summer,
if you're lucky, so you get there on Friday, Saturday
or Sunday, the terrace of the Basilica is open and
you can have one of the most incredible apperatives with
the view all over the Chenza, these played and statues,
it's it's really dreamy spot to have your your strengths,
(18:59):
because of course Breats is from our area and you
get spritss around u Chenza for as little as three euros,
and so that's when when I go.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Outside of my area, I never have sprints because I
don't accept paying the same.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
For a sprits as a cocktail, because from me, spirits
is an aperative, and that's why it's risky coming to
the Genza, especially like summer. There is another interesting that
I will talk about it later that there are peratives
connected to the Grappa. And so going back, sorry to
your question, Basilica Paladiana Olympic Theater in Buchenza, just outside
(19:33):
of Gensa, there is bill A val Madana Nani that
is completely trest good by Ceppelo and it's the only
example in the world where both father and son of
Chepelo painted these beautiful halls. Next door there is Villa
Rotonda and this is in Bceenza. So in the Chenza
you can go around. I would always recommend saying at
least one night if you want to see all of
(19:56):
the Genza, then you can go, of course to Basa Marostica,
which are two really really gorgeous towns where you can
have both juniary experiences and just culture in general. It's
really good for the more sporty ones. There is kayaking
in the river Printer and Asiago for anybody who loves cycling,
(20:18):
nature walking. There are the malgi that is like cattle farms,
the mountain huts they're only opening summer and there you
can see all the cattles there they're staying there from
spring to autumn. And there there is where they make
milk butter cheese. The Asiago cheese is very famous comes
from there and so and it's a very relaxing and
(20:41):
art of this world experience. And Asiago is also because
of course we think about different targets in terms, for
example of accessible tourism, Asiago is a true excellence. Just
to give you a little story that always touches my art.
In Asiago, there is this local association of ski instructors.
Because you can ski and children that can't walk, label
(21:04):
children on wheelchairs, they learn to skip. They can stand
and skip thanks to this technique that they've developed and
so and there is a lot about making the holidays
fantastic for everyone and anyone. So that's why I always say,
it's so that destination that embraces every heart. It's very
special for that. So of course it's not like Portina
(21:25):
that it's like really steep slopes and everything. But for
somebody who loved nature relapsed and skiing, they're not really
difficult levels. That is the perfect destination.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
That sounds like me. I am not very good at
ski but at the cheese is so so delicious. I
love it. It's a really quite creamy, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
There are various types of the there's it's old, extra
old or young one. So it depends how old it is.
So the order it gets, the more extra veg one,
the extra old one. It's quite similar to parmes and
cheese when you when you have it, so then there
are lots of other different cheeses in the area. There's
more there many other cheese.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Yes, I mean I can imagine if you were coming
from Venice and you probably because we're inland, right, I
think that's where we didn't really mention that we're actually
inland from Venice. So and it's on the river, right,
is that is that right?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Well, there is the river going through Barsano well, also
in Bucenza, yes, it's a right in between Venice and Verona.
So if you go from Venice to Verona, which is
something that very often tourists do, Theucenza is right in
the middle. And it's also forty five minutes from Lake
Guard as well, so but yeah, it is. It is inland.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Everyone's probably got their hair on their phone at that
point get off the train. So we talked about the cheese.
What you know, everyone, everyone's going to Italy for the food,
all right, and we've been educating our listeners on these podcasts.
It's not Italian food, it's regional food. So what are
(23:09):
some of the regional dishes that we have in Bichinza
that we should definitely try apart from the cheese, So.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
It was probably the most famous local dish is baccala alavicentina,
which is dogfish and it stays in waterlight for three
days and then you simmer it in milk. I'm not
a cooker a chef, so I can't give you the example.
There is actually the coon and actually a local association
that is only for a baccala where you can find
(23:38):
the best local restaurants where you can go and eat
baccala agentina so that is probably the most famous dish.
But then aside from that, as I said, the cheese,
this is suppressor. That is a very typical salami from
the area that you can have either with polenta of
course we are in the north of Italy and polenta
is very popular, or canby scott that there is a
(23:59):
specific kind of bread that is baked twice, biscott On
cooked twice and it's very hard and it's really nice
to observe it for a long time and it's quite typical,
like we've got one a baked that just does that
just makes them discot And then based on the season
when you are in Vicenza, so if you're like in
(24:19):
the spring, the white sparagus of Bassano that are incredible
in the risotto in pasta, or just sparagus because they're
really thick and you can have them with eggs. In
June July, there are the cherries in Marostica that are
really big, nice and juicy. Then drink as well if
you're interested about.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Oh yes, yes, we need to know about the wine.
Speaker 3 (24:43):
The chainsa. It's not many cities like the change the
five areas, five different areas for wine. The produce five
different kind of wine, and so we have Thai that
is tyrolso Antai Bianco that is a specific one from
the area Durrello that is a bit similar to Prosecco,
(25:03):
but with specific grape from the Durrello area. And then
there is Braganza, the Braganza wine that is a big
area and the British win as well. There's a Richotto
from Gambalada that is a sweet wine. It's really really nice.
And then we cannot mention Grappa that is especially you
(25:23):
can begger and visit Narbini that is the oldest distillery
in Italy and the oldest grappa distillery in the world,
because grap can only be from from Italy, and the
meds and Mezzo there is another peritive only Bassano, you
can find it and Ardini it's made locally from Ladina
and you the best experience in Basano is having a
mezza Mezza on the bridge overlooking mountains and the river Mets.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Does that mean it has maybe some soda water or.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
It's got soda water. Dini Rosso that is a liquia
specific for it, and Vinni rabarbar rubab liqure.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
I'm so dam I know I need to try this.
This sounds amazing. I love rubab because the thing is
that I think Grappa I find Grubber a bit like,
well that's a bit much for me. But if it's
like you know, you've got a few little extras, you know,
like ruberb oh that sounds.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
And there's Talia tel as well, now the Demi Liqueur
that is not as strong as Grupper and I'm like
Tala Tella, like the passage the first time they said,
you want to tell you tell us no, no, already
eaten no, it's cure.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
It just sounds like it's a very elegant place. And
I'm really wondering, with so many beautiful buildings, why the
instagrammers haven't discovered it yet, But we won't tell them.
And there's some lovely hotels in the center of town,
that is it the sort of historic ones.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
Well, there are more than hotels. There are like Bnb's
flats where you can stay. There are some hotels, but
just outside of the China, within.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Very easy reach, there some beautiful villas and I think
that is always very nice to stay at a mobile
villa and for a very reasonable price, to be honest, Now,
in the prices are everywhere, there are very reasonable prices.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
You have the choice.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
We like the historic, you know, like a boutique style hotel,
and it sounds like these villas are exactly the type
of thing that we enjoy. And so if you were
staying in one of those, would you need a car
or is it easy to get around by transport?
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Well, if you say one of the ones in the center,
then of course you don't need a car, and you're
just saying the chance. If you want to visit a
whole area, then a car is much easier because, as
it often happens in Italy, if you really want to
see the unseen bits is very it's the best thing
is getting it put Yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Yeah, And I think that's that's an interesting conundrum that
people have. I'm sure you know these smaller cities they're
not that difficult to drive, and I do it myself.
It's when you start getting into Rome and Naples where
they go find out.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
Driving in the north of Italy is is completely different
than driving in the south. I personally don't drive in
like in Pulia, and I've got a Pullian husband, so
I'm often there and elect him driver and is said,
in the north is very easy to drive, and especially
in Chenza, not being very busy, it's very easy. And yeah,
(28:25):
you don't need to be worried about driving in Vicenza.
And you can discover so many more things, even local
small secret wineries. And I haven't mentioned that, surprise, surprise,
Vicenza has the original castles of Rome and Juliet. Everyone
goes to Verona to see the fake balcony that was
(28:45):
built in nineteen thirty five just for tourists, and nobody
comes to see the real castles that are. And there
is this story about this noble that was living in
this beautiful villa overlooking these two castles on two different hills,
and he wrote this novel about these two lovers leaving
these two different castles. And then Shakespeare read the novel
Honey Road Roman Juliet. So the original castles that inspired
(29:09):
Roman Juliet are in monteko Major. In fact, Romeo's surname
is Montickey than in Italian. Wanted you in English Major
is where the castles are, and you can visit them.
Under those castles. This is for very few people, but
there is a very secret wine cellar. It's only for
private things, so not everybody can go there, but it's
(29:33):
really really nice. It's three hundred meters of cakes, with
the wines, with the local it's courts fumante, but it's
like Champagne of the area, really really nice. That is
something that I can assure you're not even logos because
we've spoken to quite a few locals, because there are
no signs outside, so it's it's a very hidden, hidden gym.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
That sounds magical. I mean, that's Shakespeare. He didn't even
go to each so he was he was just borrowing
left right and the center is Shakespeare. But you know,
if you go to Verona and you see and everyone
goes to the balcony, even if they don't want to,
it's like I'm putting my hand up. But I mean,
(30:17):
I think it is such a iconic story, and you know,
to see the place that inspired it would be so beautiful.
And these stories that they permeate and then they just
sort of snowball throughout history and they get sort of
adopted and changed. But sometimes it's nice to go back
to the origin and see where it all was.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Half off, the Verona has been great than doing marketing,
and you yet, I mean he's based in Shakespeare read
it is based in Rona, but there's no House of Juliet.
But it was inspired by these two castles, and I
always find it incredible that nobody knows about them.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Yeah, I think in Italy, I mean, it's a challenge,
isn't it, because there are so many beautiful things and
there's so many tasty things, and it really what I've
discovered over the years is that it comes down to
how good the marketing is, you know, and you know,
places like you know, Tuscany do an amazing job with
your marketing, and I just feel maybe we need to
(31:18):
be a little bit savvier and look beyond that. And
it's harder in the Internet age to do that. And
I really appreciate you joining us to share this beautiful
part of the world, because you know, otherwise we don't know.
How do we know? Because if you google top ten
things to do in Italy, please don't do that, by
(31:39):
the way, You're not going to find it. It'll see
the same old places that everyone's going to. And we know,
and everyone's listening on the podcast knows that we can
find some amazing, amazing places to go to that you know,
will just inspire you, and you didn't even know that
you were going to be inspired in that way, Elizabeth,
(32:00):
is there anything else you'd like to share about beautiful
Pichinza with us?
Speaker 3 (32:05):
Yeah, I mean as I as I said, Well, I
spoke about nother the city of ceramics. I spoke about
Bassano and if you love ceramics, in Bassana there is
another hidden gym an insurance company turned into a ceramic museum.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Why not.
Speaker 3 (32:21):
Yeah. Oh, there is one of the most beautiful libraries
in the world according to the New York Times Independent
libraries of the world according to the New York Times
in Bassana, it's called Palazzo Roberti. And another unique local
excellence is to Safti that is printing, a paper printing
company and it's really fascinating, run again by father and
(32:42):
daughter and it's it's beautiful. So yeah, there is there
is a lot to discover behind because even in Bassano,
people that go they see the river under bridge and
they think that they have a spirit for a mezzo mezzo,
which is which are mass there, but they don't really
go beyond that to do am personally very in love
(33:03):
with with it is a place where I could actually
think of movie.
Speaker 1 (33:09):
You seem like someone who doesn't who's who's always getting
itchy feed, So that sounds like a big statement.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
It's difficult to decide where to settle because, like lots
of people ask us, where will you set after this
five year journeys, I have no idea.
Speaker 3 (33:22):
I always thought Milan, because I like you, I really
like Milan. But it depends where you look after. But
then it has got a very good cost of living
sort of Milan is really expensive, it said then to
get a lot for your money.
Speaker 1 (33:39):
Oh well, it does sound like it has it all.
Romeo and Juliet, Renaissance palaces, delicious cheese, three europl spritzers,
I mean, and on Basilica as well. That sounds very intriguing.
You know, I think you know, if it's under an
hour by training for venice, you don't need to be
too adventurous to try that. You can go on a
day treat if you if you want to. And you
(34:01):
know what, I'm just going to get out of the
map and see how i can wiggle this into My
husband will be.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
Like, what are you doing again?
Speaker 1 (34:12):
This sounds absolutely beautiful, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for
sharing your hometown and with us today. And I'm sure
our listeners would love to know a little bit more
about the GENSA and the work you're doing to promote
the city. How can they stay in touch with you?
Speaker 3 (34:27):
Yeah, so they can visit the website explorer dot it
and so they can see all the various experiences that
they can they can do, and of course if they
want to see other things about Italy, we are Unexpected Italy,
but specifically go on the Chenza for experiences, Explorer dot
it and on all social media as well, so from
(34:48):
Instagram to Facebook you can find you can find it.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Yeah, and of course we will share the links for
everyone on our website or even can have access to
and just start dreaming. I'll tell you what you just
get on actually get on Instagram or get on Google
and have a little look on the images there and
you'll be like, hmmm, why was this hiding in plain sight?
That's what I was thinking. Grants you, Elizabetha, thank you
(35:16):
so much for joining us on Untold Italy.
Speaker 3 (35:19):
Thank you goodbyte.
Speaker 1 (35:22):
So everyone a challenge for you. Report back if you
visit Picenza and let me know what you loved about
this beautiful city. I have busily been trying to find
a spot for it in our current itinery because I
simply adore this area of Italy and I feel like
I have missed out by not seeing Ficenza myself. How
delightful to have a little pocket full of beautiful architecture
(35:44):
and art, wine and food just sitting there waiting to
be discovered. As always, we provided a list of the places, foods,
and wines mentioned in this episode, as well as Elizabetta's
details and the Explorer website in our comprehensive show notes
at Untold Italy dot com forward slash one nine zero
for episode one hundred and ninety. Now we spend a
(36:05):
lot of time on these notes so that you can
relax and listen to the episode. Plus, it can be
tricky trying to jot down Italian names when you're on
the go. I'm sure you'll agree, Groutz here thanks for
your ongoing support of Untold Italy. We truly appreciate all
of you, our listeners, joining us from around the world.
If you do have a spare moment, it would be
greatly appreciated if you left us a five star rating
(36:27):
and review on your favorite podcast app. That way, we
can reach more Italy loving travelers just like you, and
raise the profile of our wonderful guests. That's all for today.
Next week I'll be in Italy, hooray, so we're going
to share one of my favorite episodes that just happens
to be super useful too. But until then, it's chow
(36:48):
for now. The Untold Italy podcast is an independent production
podcast editing, audio production and website development by Mark Hatter,
Production assistance and content right the other Kat Clark, Yes
there are two of us. For more information about Untold Italy,
please visit Untold Italy dot com
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