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.
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.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Verona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palazzo del Podestà (Podestà Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo del Podestà (Podestà Palace)
Sight Location: Verona, Italy (See walking tours in Verona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Verona, Italy (See walking tours in Verona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Verona, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Verona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Verona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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The embodiment of a true romance on the Italian soil, the city of Verona has been immortalized by William Shakespeare in his famous "Romeo and Juliet". There is also another, lesser-known play by Shakespeare set in Verona, called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Whilst there's no evidence that the bard had ever set foot in Italy, let alone in this town, Verona's presence in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Romeo and Juliet Tour
William Shakespeare's insightful tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, immortalized both the doomed young lovers and its setting, the fair city of Verona. While it's uncertain whether or not Romeo and Juliet were real people, the Montague and Capulet families were Veronese aristocratic families. Relive the classic love story as you walk Verona.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Whatever your interest – ancient or modern art, archaeology, frescoes, Roman inscriptions, natural history, antique furniture, or wine – be... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Whatever your interest – ancient or modern art, archaeology, frescoes, Roman inscriptions, natural history, antique furniture, or wine – be... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Verona's Palaces
It's no secret that Italy boasts some of the most remarkable palatial architecture in the world. A good portion of it is found in the incredibly charming city of Verona, the long history of which stretches all the way back to ancient Rome and is reflected in an array of Romanesque and Renaissance gates and bridges, but, most notably, the monumental palaces.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles