Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamonds Palace), Verona

Italy boasts some of the most beautiful palaces in the world and the Palazzo dei Diamanti, or the Palace of Diamonds, follows in this tradition. The impressive structure was designed by Biagio Rosetti and built in 1495. It is very similar in appearance to the fortress in Ferrara that shares the same name. Like many other buildings, the Palazzo suffered extensive damage from World War II and was renovated in 1950.

The building receives it name from the thousands of white marble diamond-shaped stones, of varying sizes, that cover the exterior of the building. The effect that light has on the multi-faceted outer walls does give one the impression that they are looking at diamonds.

The palace includes a portal that has Doric columns on both sides and two mullioned windows on the main floor. Currently, it is the headquarters of AGEC. The building reflects the influence of designer Michele Sanmicheli.

The best way to enjoy the palace is by taking a self-guided walking tour. Other royal residences you can walk to include the Palazzo del Mercato Vecchio, the Palazzo Bevilacqua, the Porta Leoni, the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Porta Borsari, the Palazzo Canossa, the Palazzo Canossa, and the Ponte Scaligero.