Palazzo della Ragione is an imposing palace in Padua, located in the historical center of the city, between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta. The palace is famous for having the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE The construction of the palace dates back to 1219, and was intended to house the courts of justice and financial offices of the city, a role it played throughout the Venetian domination, until 1797. The current shape of the palace is due to Frà Giovanni degli Eremitani who, between 1306 and 1309, raised the large hull-shaped roof and added the porch and the loggias covering the stairs. The roof was redone with larch trusses, without central columns, and was covered with lead plates. On August 17, 1756, a tornado damaged the building, destroying its roof and uncovering it. Bartolomeo Ferracina, engineer of the Republic of Venice, best known for the construction of the clock in Piazza San Marco, rebuilt the imposing structure. The courts of justice were transferred from the palace in 1797, and the hall was opened for large popular gatherings, anniversaries and parties. ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE The Read more [...]