Armory Franz Joseph I

The privileged geographical location of Verona, a crossroads of fundamental communication routes, determined the importance of its strategic military role.

For this reason, between 1854 and 1861, the Austrians decided to place a large arsenal, dedicated to Francesco Giuseppe I, by a more general process of adaptation of urban military structures, which was to transform the city into the main permanent fortification of the Lombardo -Veneto (in the same period was built Castel S. Pietro).
Even after the annexation of Veneto to the Kingdom of Italy (1866) and until the last war, the complex was used by the authorities for military purposes.
The building, situated on a vast and verdant stretch of plain, consists of nine buildings in the style of the Enlightenment, separated by courtyards, streets and squares and surrounded by a continuous and isolated wall.

In 1995 the Arsenale was sold to the Municipality of Verona, which transformed a part of the area into a public park. The building now hosts several kinds of events, from food and wine festivals to handcraft markets, and every Thursday morning it hosts the local market of zero kilometer products.

FAQ

What it represents?
The Franz Josef I Arsenal is the Austrian military arsenal. In the years of Austrian domination, Verona was an important military center, therefore the Arsenal was built between 1840 and 1861, one of the greatest military complex in that period.

How is Arsenal structured?
The construction consists of nine distinct buildings, separated by courtyards, streets and squares and surrounded by a continuous and isolated wall.

What's in the Arsenal now?
Since 1995 the complex has been managed by the Municipality of Verona, which has used the garden as a playground while some of the internal areas host occasional exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography.

Is the monument accessible to people with disabilities?
The museum is not accessible, due to the presence of some steps.

Is it possible to access to the monument with animals?
It is possible to transit in accordance with the specific current rules.