Palazzo Canossa

The Canossa Palace, designed by Michele Sanmicheli on commission from Ludovico di Canossa, is one of the most significant and fascinating palaces overlooking Corso Cavour.

It was erected in the 16th century with the aim of emphasizing the prestige of the family, but also to enhance a strategic area and a transit point outside the oldest medieval core, along the route of the Via Postumia.

This masterpiece by Sanmicheli surpasses the medieval concept of a fortress palace, closed and equipped with towers, creating a noble and elegant residence, open to light and the interplay of light and shadow.

In the 17th century, the palace was enlarged with the addition of two wings facing the river, and later the roof was raised during the elevation of the hall on the noble floor.
Its interiors were decorated by the finest Veronese painters (Battista del Moro, Bernardino India, and Paolo Veronese among others); Tiepolo painted the "Apotheosis of Hercules" in the grand hall, which unfortunately collapsed due to bombing during World War II.

To conceal the elevated intervention, an external balustrade adorned with statues made of white stone was erected: there are eight “Allegories” symbolizing arts and sciences such as Architecture and History, or virtues such as Fidelity and Honor.

During the 19th century, the palace became a genuine temporary royal residence, which hosted historical figures of the caliber of Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and the Emperors of Austria.
It was also the birthplace of Saint Magdalene of Canossa.

Currently, Canossa Palace is a private historic building divided into residences and offices, not open to the public and not visitable except during cultural events or special occasions.

However, it is always possible to admire the magnificent Renaissance façade and the balustrade with the statues while walking along Corso Cavour.