Sala dei Giganti, Monumental hall in Palazzo Liviano, Padua, Italy
Sala dei Giganti is a monumental hall in Palazzo Liviano featuring a trapezoidal floor plan with frescoes covering its walls in painted colonnades and architectural niches. The painted columns and recesses create a three-dimensional effect across all interior surfaces.
In 1539, military governor Girolamo Corner commissioned major renovations that raised the ceiling and widened the hall with new window openings designed by architect Michele Sanmicheli. These modifications transformed the original structure of the interior space.
The hall displays fifty notable figures spanning from Rome's founding through the pre-Renaissance era, including statesmen, commanders, and writers. These individuals reflect the intellectual tradition that has defined Padua's character over centuries.
Visiting this hall requires booking a guided tour in advance, with appointments typically available on weekdays through the Palazzo Liviano booking center. Plan your visit ahead to secure a spot and learn about the space from an expert guide.
From 1632 to 1912, this hall housed the University Library before becoming a venue for concerts and academic gatherings. This shift in purpose left traces visible in how the space is laid out and how sound travels through it.
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