Corte dei Bissari Archaeological Area

Corte dei Bissari Archaeological Area is located in the basement of Basilica Palladiana.

The archaeological area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the living reality of a distant era, yet crucial to understanding the events preceding the Palladian Renaissance. Not only the preserved ancient structures have been recovered, but also a selection of archaeological materials unearthed during the excavation, exhibited in display cases dedicated respectively to the Protohistoric Age (7th-2nd century BC), the Early Romanization (2nd-1st century BC), and the Roman and Late Roman Age (1st-5th century AD).

The display case positioned above the reconstruction of the Lombard burial houses a precious golden cross. The site thus presents itself as a true palimpsest of Vicenza's history, from its foundation by the ancient Venetians to the Renaissance. It is particularly interesting for its urban reconstruction of a residential area of the ancient Vicetia, once adjacent to the city Forum.

The archaeological area covers 150 square meters and features a walkway from which visitors can view artifacts, with transparent glass floor inserts allowing them to appreciate the remains of the Roman road. The tour is enriched by essential educational material, structured with titles, subtitles, and captions, also in English.