Arco delle Scalette, Renaissance arch in historic center, Vicenza, Italy
The Arco delle Scalette is a Renaissance arch in downtown Vicenza adorned with detailed sculptures that marks the start of a stairway route. From this point, a climb of around 192 steps ascends toward the Monte Berico sanctuary.
The arch was completed in 1596 based on plans created by Andrea Palladio in 1575, commissioned by Venetian captain Giacomo Bragadin. It served as the primary route connecting the city center to the hilltop religious complex for centuries.
The statues within the arch depict the Annunciation and were created by sculptor Orazio Marinali. They are positioned in the inner vault and express the spiritual meaning of this passage from the city to the sanctuary.
The stairway is entirely made of stone and climbs steeply, so wear good shoes and allow time for the ascent. Visit early in the day when it is cooler and watch your footing on the uneven surfaces.
Before Francesco Muttoni later built a covered arcade, this arch was the sole direct passage from the city up to the sanctuary above. The fact that this original access point remains intact today makes it a rare survivor from that era.
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