Palazzo della Ragione, Medieval palace museum in Padua, Italy
Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval building in central Padua that houses an enormous covered hall stretching across multiple levels. The interior is filled with painted surfaces and displays artworks and historical objects spanning different periods.
The building was constructed in the 12th century as the city's administrative and judicial center. After a fire destroyed the original wall paintings, new frescoes were added to replace them and remain visible today.
The walls display frescoes showing zodiac scenes and mythological stories that have captivated visitors walking through the vast hall for centuries. These painted narratives reflect how medieval people understood the universe and the forces that shaped their lives.
The building sits on a central square and is easily reached on foot, with entrances on several sides. Plan time to explore, as the main hall is spacious and contains much to view throughout.
Inside stands an impressive wooden horse originally created for a wealthy nobleman, preserving a local story. Alongside this artwork are Egyptian sphinxes brought from distant lands, adding unexpected foreign elements to the collection.
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