Gran Guardia, Palace in Piazza Bra, Verona, Italy.
Gran Guardia is a palace on Piazza Bra with thirteen arches forming its ground floor arcade and paired columns adorning the upper level. The structure stretches across the plaza with alternating window designs that create a rhythmic pattern along its facade.
Construction began in 1610 under architect Domenico Curtoni but stalled due to financial difficulties. The project was finally completed in 1853 by Giuseppe Barbieri after spanning nearly two centuries.
The palace functions as a central venue for exhibitions and concerts, shaping public life on the square. It serves as a gathering place where residents and visitors experience cultural activities together.
The palace is located on Piazza Bra, which is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Since the building regularly hosts events, it helps to check local announcements to find out when it is open to visitors.
The rusticated stone blocks of the ground floor were actually taken from the nearby ancient amphitheater. These stones visibly connect two important historical monuments of the city in a way that few visitors realize.
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