The Rotonda (Villa Capra)

A distant view from the carriage path This villa, located on a slight elevation a few miles outside Vicenza, was built for Canon Paolo Almerico. The square domed building is aligned with the cardinal points of the compass. Its name derives from the plan--a circle within a square. The influence of the Roman Pantheon is evident--including the unitary plan and a traditional temple porch in front of a domed interior.
The symmetrical building Each of the four sides of the square has a wide flight of stairs leading to a portico with six Ionic columns. Loggias provide beautiful views of the countryside from all four facades.
Views of the porch and a view under the porch
The "Temple" portico and one entrance Each of the four entrances lead, through a short corridor, to the main room of the piano nobile, a circular dome-covered central salon. The statues on the pediment represent classical deities.