The Palace of Reason (Palazzo della Ragione)
Piazza delle Erbe 35100 Padova, Italy
Description:
The Palace of Reason (Palazzo della Ragione) was built in the XIII century and until 1797 was the venue for city courts. The largest medieval building impresses with its architectural boldness and active solar calendar clocks. The palace hall has an almost rectangular shape, more than 80 meters long and 27 meters wide, the height of Palazzo della Ragione is 24 meters.
The arched building, its huge roof is supported by columns, and an open loggia surrounds the upper tier. The Palace of Mind is one of the largest astrological monuments of the Middle Ages. It is assumed that the frescoes were the design of the Paduan astrologer and physician Pietro d’Abano, performed by Giotto. But in 1420, during a fire, the works were badly damaged. Venetian architects restored a cycle of frescoes consisting of 333 squares, which are arranged in several floors.
Today we can come to Mantua on Piazza delle Ebre to see one of the most beautiful palaces in Italy, frescoes on astronomical themes, visit a busy market, which is divided into an area of herbs and fruits. On the first floor of the Palazzo della Ragione there are many shops and the best wine.