Palazzo Thiene, Vicenza (1537-42)

The Palazzo Thiene is located on the Piazza Ferrarin, 2, 36016, in Thiene (see map here). Palladio came to the attention of the family in regard to this commission because of the competition for the Basilica. The facade on one side of the street had already been finished by Lorenzo da Bologna. Palladio chose to finish his part of the building in the Bramante style, with a two-story presentation, rusticated first floor, and orders on the second story. Palladio uses a rougher rustication than Bramante, but the influence is obvious. The coining on either side of the facade on the first floor is in a different stone, the contrast adds drama. The voussoirs over the windows on the lower floor are unique, with minor voussoirs inserted into major voussoirs for an interesting layered effect. The upper story features a doubled pilaster for the orders and alternating triangular and hemispherical pediments on the windows. There are two string courses encircling the building with a similar-looking entabulature. The entabulature continues the pedastle for the orders as part of the it's decoration.