Exterior view

Palladio’s most influential building for the history of domestic architecture is the Villa Almerico Capra Valmarana, known as La Rotonda, sited on a low hill near Vicenza. It was built for the church dignitary and humanist Paolo Almerico as a suburban retreat. The exterior is rather plain. The setting made it grand and inspired Palladio to give each side of the house, built on a centralised plan, a pedimented loggia, so as to enjoy the views on every side. Each portico is approached by a broad staircase, the steps are flanked by projecting walls. On the corners of these walls and on each pediment, statues extend the axis of the villa.

View the ground plan and section of the Villa Rotonda.