Palladio is the famous son of Vicenza – his architecture is scattered everywhere throughout this city in northeast Italy. Every local we met asked if we had seen his Teatro Olimpico yet, so we rushed over to see what has got to be one of the most ornate stages ever created.

Teatro Olimpico stage

I really liked the arena-shaped outdoor courtyard of the theatre with its sculpture-lined walkways and colourful flower beds. I could imagine a summer evening’s walk at intermission through this courtyard.

Teatro Olimpico courtyard