Palazzo del Podestà (Podestà Palace), Verona

The Palazzo del Podestà, also known as the Government Palace, is a medieval building situated in Verona. It's positioned between Piazza dei Signori and the Scaliger Arches. This palace was constructed by the Scaligeri family on the foundation of Roman remains (near the present-day Piazza delle Erbe, which used to be the Roman forum). After its completion, Alberto I della Scala resided there.

Throughout history, the palace hosted numerous distinguished individuals, including notable figures like Dante and Giotto. According to Giorgio Vasari, Giotto created portraits of Cangrande I, but these artworks haven't been discovered. Dante Alighieri, who was exiled from Florence, stayed in this building during his second visit. In fact, the Veronese people refer to the square it overlooks as "Piazza Dante." A statue of the poet stands in the center of that square.

After the Scala dynasty declined, the palace became the headquarters for significant officials during the Republic of Venice. It also housed the offices of the podestà, which contributed to its name. In 1404, a new entrance was constructed, and in 1533, Michele Sanmicheli adorned it with a lion of San Marco placed above.