Villa Capra – La Rotonda

Villa Capra – La Rotonda. Villa Almerico Capra, known as La Rotonda, is a Venetian villa with a central plan located near the city of Vicenza

Andrea Palladio – Villa Almerico Capra known as La Rotonda, Vicenza (Italy), 1566

Villa Capra, commonly known as “La Rotonda”, is one of the most famous works of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Located just outside Vicenza in northern Italy, it was designed in the 16th century for the noble Capra family, but it is its timeless architectural beauty and symmetry that have made it an iconic symbol of classical architecture.

La Rotonda is renowned for its perfect symmetry and harmonious proportions. It is a square building with a central circular hall topped by a dome. Each of the four facades is identical, featuring a portico with Ionic columns, a pediment, and a triangular tympanum. The villa is surrounded by symmetrically arranged gardens and has commanding views of the surrounding countryside.

Palladio’s design for Villa Capra was heavily influenced by classical Roman architecture, particularly the ancient Roman Pantheon. The villa represents Palladio’s interpretation of classical principles, combining elements such as symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical orders in a harmonious and elegant composition.

Over the centuries, Villa Capra has inspired countless architects and designers, and it remains a popular destination for visitors interested in Renaissance architecture and history. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its ability to evoke a sense of timeless elegance and classical perfection.