Palazzo del Capitanio

Palazzo del Capitanio, also known as Palazzo del Tribunale or Palazzo di Cansignorio, is a beautiful palace in Verona, located in Piazza dei Signori, between Palazzo della Ragione and Palazzo del Podesta.

SHORT HISTORY

The construction of the palace was commissioned by Cansignorio della Scala and probably completed in 1363. Originally, the building was a fortified palace, austere and spartan, with three large towers at the corners, of which only one still stands.

The current appearance of the palace dates back to the 16th century, when, during the Venetian domination, the palace was chosen as the seat of the Captain and his offices.

The Republic of Venice ordered various rearrangements of the building – the facade was redesigned in Renaissance style and a small theater was open in one of the palace halls. The theater was subsequently closed and the hall was used for other purposes.

During the Austrian domination, the building was used as a judicial court.

After the Veneto region, including Verona, became part of the Kingdom of Italy, restorations of the palace were planned, and conducted beginning with 1880. In 1882, the remaining tower was restored, the windows of the upper floors were arranged, and the prison was moved to another location.

ARCHITECTURE

Of the original palace, remains only the tower that was restored in 1882, while the rest of the building dates back to the 16th century. The most recent part has a classical facade, with a Corinthian portal, probably the work of Michele Sanmicheli. Towards the courtyard opens a loggia dated back to 1476.

In the courtyard, there is a statue, the dedication of which is unknown, as well as a Roman plaque dedicated to the Gavia family, which was once located near Arco dei Gavi.

HOW TO GET THERE

Palazzo del Capitanio is located about 2.2 kilometers from the Verona Porta Nuova railway station. The closest bus stop is in Piazza Viviani 10, about 130 meters away, on the bus Lines 70, 96 and 97.