Palladio’s Basilica in Vicenza is undergoing an intensive period of restoration. The stonework is being cleaned and repaired and the famous curving roof is being replaced. On a recent CiA visit it was possible to witness the individual sections being lifted into position.
A tour guide was overheard explaining that during WW2 the roof of the Basilica was damaged. Immediately after the war it was replaced with a concrete structure. Over the last sixty years, this has created problems of its own: the internal structure was starting to sink! It was therefore decided to replace this structure with a wooden and metal construction that is not dissimilar to the original.
If you are visiting, CiA recommends the Ristorante Al Pestello, a small restaurant that serves delicious, traditional Vicenzan food.