The Palazzo della Ragione in Verona , an imposing building located in the heart of the historic center, is a tangible testimony to the city's ancient grandeur and rich history. Built in the 12th century to house the new municipal magistracies, this building with square shapes and an internal courtyard is a point of convergence between the suggestive Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe.
The building, whose first nucleus dates back even before 1405, when Verona came under the dominion of the Serenissima, stood on the foundations of the ancient Roman forum . The incredible visual impact of the Palace has been shaped by centuries of changes, events and restorations that have defined its current appearance.
Every corner of the Palazzo della Ragione evokes different eras of Verona's history. From the signs of the ancient Roman forum to the majesty of the Torre dei Lamberti , every detail tells a story of perseverance and transformation. The neoclassical facades, the result of the work of great architects such as Giuseppe Barbieri and Camillo Boito, give the building an imposing elegance.
The Chapel of the Notaries
One of the jewels kept inside the Palace is undoubtedly the Chapel of the Notaries , located on the first floor. Here, in the past, stood the Torre della Masseria, built in the 15th century in honor of saints Zeno and Daniele. Today, the chapel hosts one of the most illustrious decorative complexes commissioned by the entire city community. This extraordinary artistic and historical heritage is a fascinating testimony to the profound connection between Verona and its community.
The Palace of Reason over the centuries
Over the centuries, the Palazzo della Ragione has been the fulcrum of the city's political power, hosting institutions of vital importance for the Veronese community. Among these, as mentioned, the Chapel of the Notaries , a symbol of devotion and religious culture, which conveys a sense of grandeur and solemnity.
With the advent of the Renaissance, the Palace was transformed into a court , taking on new functions and adapting to the needs of the time. In the 16th century, important expansion and restoration works were carried out, and the Torre dei Lamberti, today the symbol of the city, was raised to 84 meters high.
Until the last century, the Palace hosted the city's courts. Subsequently, due to space limitations, the offices were moved elsewhere. The building remained in a state of abandonment for twenty years, until it was the subject of a final, but fundamental, restoration. Since then, the Palace has been used as an exhibition centre, hosting the prestigious Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery , which houses works of inestimable artistic value.
The “Achille Forti” Modern Art Gallery
Today, the main floor of the Palace houses the Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery, a collection of works of art that span different eras and styles, offering visitors an extraordinary experience in contemporary art . A fundamental nucleus of the collection is represented by the works of the pointillists, a pictorial movement characterized by the use of small touches of color, applied separately and not mixed on the canvas. This technique created an effect of brightness and brilliance, giving life to vibrant and lively works.
Among the artists represented in the collection, figures of great importance in the Italian and European artistic panorama stand out. Names such as Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo , Angelo Morbelli , Giovanni Segantini and Vittore Grubicy de Dragon are part of the exhibition heritage.
The Palace of Reason in Verona: let's take stock
The Palazzo della Ragione in Verona is one of the places that must be visited in the Veneto region. Located in one of the strategic points of the city, it can be the starting point or destination of many tourist itineraries. To visit Verona in its entirety we recommend always booking convenient accommodation in a smart and safe way.
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