68th Course on Palladian Architecture
PALLADIO AND COMFORT IN THE WELL-DESIGNED HOUSE
Vicenza + Veneto, 27th August – 2nd September 2026
What was life like in a Palladian villa or palace? How were heating and cooling managed, and how did the bathrooms and kitchens work? To what extent did the choice of materials depend on sourcing and reusing them, and how were materials and construction techniques designed to enhance insulation and cooling?
One primary source of information on these topics is the Four Books, in which Palladio unfortunately only discusses building systems and orientation rather sparingly. Inventories also often provide interesting insights by describing the furnishings and objects found within the dwellings. Then, of course, there are the buildings themselves, or their original design drawings, where it is possible to trace water distribution pipes, such as at Maser, toilets, such as those along the staircases of Villa Foscari, cooling grilles on the floors of the Rotonda and Palazzo Barbarano, and washbasins and fireplaces, which can be found in all the buildings.
During visits to Palladian buildings, this year’s course will highlight these aspects through practical seminars led by specialists in the field. Therefore, the 2026 course retains the traditional programme of visits to Palladio’s major works in Vicenza, Venice, and the Veneto region, preceded by morning classroom lectures. The seven-day course is open to architectural and art historians, architects, engineers and anyone interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of Palladio’s work.
The application deadline is 6:00 pm (CEST) on Sunday, August 16, 2026
GRANTS
A limited number of grants is available for participants holding a degree in architecture, art history, engineering, or related fields, particularly in the conservation of cultural heritage. Applicants must have completed their degree (or equivalent qualification) after 2016.
Grants cover the full enrolment fee, which will be paid directly to the CISAAP on behalf of the selected applicants by public or private institutions, organisations, or third-party contributors.
The deadline for grant applications is Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at 12:00 am (CEST).
For information and registration:
http://www.palladiomuseum.org/courses/palladio
Francesco Marcorin
Curatore del Palladio Museum
Centro Internazionale di Studi di Architettura Andrea Palladio Contra’ Porti 11 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy
tel. +39 0444 323014
www.palladiomuseum.org