The Republic of San Marino celebrates the fifth centenary of Andrea Palladio's birth (1508-2008) with the issue of a philatelic set made up by a 1,00 € value.
In the stamp designed by Irio Ottavio Fantini, a portrait of the architect is depicted, alongside a drawing and external view of Villa Pojana, built by Palladio in 1546 for the Pojana family. Set within a deep courtyard and flanked by gardens, the villa rises upon a basement which was destined for the kitchen and storage areas.
The main floor is dominated by a large rectangular hall with a barrel vault ceiling from which the minor halls branch off symmetrically. The Palladian inspiration is drawn from ancient thermal baths.
Issue date: 22 August 2008
