Costabissara
Costabissara lies a few kilometres north-west of Vicenza, in a territory that is partly flat and partly hilly, forming part of the...
Updated 12 July 2026
The story
The story of Costabissara
History and origins
The earliest settlements in the territory of Costabissara date back to the Paleo-Venetic civilisation, which flourished in the Three Venices from the ninth century BC onward, as shown by proto-Venetic finds discovered in the area together with numerous Roman-era remains. In Roman times the territory was known for its stone, limestone and marble quarries, which earned it the original name of Costa Fabrica, materials also used in building Vicenza's aqueduct. In 568 the Lombards, led by Alboin, conquered the area following the Via Postumia, and their subsequent conversion to Christianity led, among other things, to the building of religious sites such as the hilltop church of San Giorgio. The municipality's current name finally derives from the Counts Bissari, who held it in medieval times.
What to see and main sights
The church of San Giorgio, the old parish church in Romanesque-Gothic style dating from the fifteenth century, with its polygonal apse, is one of the municipality's most significant architectural landmarks, together with the church of San Valentino, built in 1683. Among the historic villas, Villa Bissari, now Buzzucarini, stands out: over the centuries it incorporated remains of the walls of the castle destroyed by Ezzelino da Romano and a tower dating from 1467, and preserves a collection of armour and historical relics; not far away stands the other Villa Bissari, now San Carlo, with its grand Doric loggia and extensive park.
Nature and surroundings
The territory of Costabissara alternates flat stretches with gentle rises that introduce the foothill landscape of the Vicenza area, offering countryside views and short hillside routes suited to brief walks. Its closeness to Vicenza makes the territory a natural extension of the city into the countryside, without entirely losing its rural character.
Food, wine and local produce
Local cuisine follows the mainland Vicenza tradition, with dishes based on produce from the hinterland and the surrounding hills. Agriculture, though reduced by residential growth, remains present in the fields around the main town, contributing to a local offering of seasonal produce.
Events and traditions
Community life in Costabissara is expressed through parish festivals and cultural initiatives dedicated to promoting the municipality's historical heritage, including the Bissari villas and the Paleo-Venetic and Roman archaeological evidence found in the territory.
How to get there and location
Costabissara borders directly on Vicenza to the north-west and is reachable from the city in just a few minutes along the road leading toward the Vicenza foothills. Its position makes it a convenient base for those who work in Vicenza but prefer to live in a quieter residential setting.
Local life and economy
Costabissara's economy combines a growing residential fabric with small and medium craft and commercial activities, in a balance typical of towns on Vicenza's outskirts. The population has continued to grow in recent decades, drawn by proximity to Vicenza and the area's environmental quality.
Experiences not to miss
- Visit the church of San Giorgio and its Romanesque-Gothic apse
- Discover the historic armour collection at Villa Bissari-Buzzucarini
- Stroll through the park of Villa Bissari-San Carlo
- Retrace the traces of the Roman quarries that supplied Vicenza's aqueduct
- Combine the visit with a trip to Vicenza's historic centre
To see
What to see in Costabissara
Routes · Trovido Route
