Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is the heart of Vicenza’s Old Town. In this charming town square you can admire some of the city’s architectural landmarks. Relax on the outdoor terrace of the Basilica Palladiana with a coffee or visit one of the weekly markets. The square dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. The name it bears today was given during the Renaissance, when the Signoria, the governing body in the Venetian Republic, ruled Vicenza.

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Description: Basilica Palladiana /picture source: Shutterstock/;

The square is dominated by the Andrea Palladio-designed Basilica Palladiana. The original construction dates back to the 15th century and was known as the “Palazzo della Reggione”, which housed the city’s administration until the 16th century. The most remarkable thing in the basilica is the loggia, which gives an idea of the so-called a window by Palladio, whose works had a significant influence on architecture during the Renaissance. Today, a number of exhibitions and public events are organized in the building. Do not miss the Torre Bissara – a tall clock tower dating from the 12th century.

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Another remarkable building in Piazza dei Signori is the Loggia del Capitanio. It was also designed by Andrea Palladio and dates from the mid-16th century. It is characterized by red bricks on the facade and large columns. If you look closely, you may find carvings of mythological gods and symbolic characters. Inside you will find late Renaissance frescoes by Giovanni Antonio Fasolo.

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Description: Loggia del Capitaniato /picture source: Shutterstock/;

In the square you will also find two columns in the Corinthian style, topped with statues of the Lion of San Marco and Christ the Redeemer. The column with the lion, which symbolizes the Republic of Venice, was built first. A century later, the second column was built, erected in honor of Vicenza and the inhabitants of the city.

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Private: Piazza dei Signori

Piazza Signori was once the center of political life in Verona. All the main buildings of the city government were located here – the palace of justice, the city council, etc. It is no coincidence that the powerful Scaligeri family built their palace here. The statue that rises in the square depicts the Italian poet Dante.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the square is the Loggia del Castiglio (Council Lodge) – a true creation of Venetian Renaissance architecture. It was built in 1476. by Fra Giocondo. It was originally supposed to be a place where the city council would hold its meetings. Today it houses the provincial administration. The first floor consists of a gallery of columns forming eight arches. The second floor stands out with its large double-hung windows. The pastel colors of the facade seem to illuminate the building. Statues of famous Italians born in Verona are placed on its roof.

Description: Dante’s statue /picture source: Shutterstock/;

On either side of the Lodge stand two other significant buildings. To the left of the Lodge is the Casa de Pieta – a Renaissance building on the facade of which is a bas-relief depicting a seated woman with a flag. This was the symbol of Verona during the rule of the Venetians. On the right stands the Palazzo del Podesta – the residence of the Scaligeri family. Its first occupant was Alberto I della Scala. In 1311 it accommodated Cangrande I, who welcomed one of the most famous artists of that time there – Dante and Giotto. In the 14th century, Consignorio built a lodge that overlooked the square. It was on two floors and consisted of only two rooms with high ceilings one above the other.

The Palazzo del Podesta is connected by an archway to the former courthouse. This arch was known as the torture arch because the judges’ instruments of torture hung on it. From 1731 the court of Verona sits in the Palazzo dei Guidici, which is also located in Piazza Signori.

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