Review: Villa Almerico Capra (La Rotonda)

Tell me: What’s this place all about?Grander inside and out than many of the other buildings by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, Villa Almerico Capra, a domed hilltop villa, is a must for architecture buffs and anyone who loves a good house tour. There's no need to book in advance, but opening hours are mind-bogglingly complex: It's open year round, Tuesday through Saturday, for a few hours in the mornings and in the afternoons, but the interior is only open on certain days from March to November. When in doubt, check the villa's Facebook page or contact a staff member through the website.

What’s it like being there?Palatial grandeur. The roofline is dotted with statues, and the frescoed interior rivals some of the world's great cathedrals.

Is there a guide involved?Private guided tours give an in-depth look at some of the more nitty-gritty details, but most visitors should be fine just reading up on the history of the place (the website provides plenty of material, including external links) before they go.

Who comes here?Architecture enthusiasts, historians, and locals here to see the occasional concert hosted on the grounds.

Did it meet expectations?For those who find the more intimate scale of Villa Foscari a little less interesting, this is your spot.

So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?If you're planning a Palladian villa tour on the fly, this is perhaps the easiest one to visit since it doesn't require advance booking.