Arco delle Scalette: Overall view

Center sculpture is the winged lion, symbol of St. Mark and of Venice. Stairs are visible behind the arch.\u000a\u000aPart of the UNESCO designated site known as 'The city of Vicenza and the Palladian villas of the Veneto'. Little is known of the arch itself, except the date of construction, 1595. [Architect is unknown.] It marks the beginning of the stepped access route to Monte Berico known as 'le Scalette'. The sculptures on top are by Giovanni Battista Albanese. 'He was the most prominent member of the family and was involved mainly in the architectural sculpture for buildings by Palladio. From 1593 he collaborated with his father on the keystone heads of the loggia of the basilica. The statues (1595) surmounting the Arco delle Scalette, for which he was Master of Works, already show signs of a distinctive style: they are almost Mannerist in their elongated bodies and sinuous lines.'