Andrea Palladio is often described as the most influential, and most copied, architect in the Western world. Drawing inspiration from classical architecture, he created carefully proportioned, pedimented buildings that became models for stately homes and government buildings in Europe and America. Palladio designed many churches, villas, and palaces, especially in Venice, Vicenza and the surrounding area. The interior design of each Villa was to be as wonderful, if not more so than the exterior, therefore some famous contemporary artists were commissioned to paint frescoes in the principal salons. A number of Palladio's works are protected as part of the World Heritage Site Palladian Villas of the Veneto.