The Majestic Gran Guardia Palace, Verona

Majestic Gran Guardia Palace or Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona

Located in the historic centre of Verona, and next to the welcoming medieval gates of I Portoni della Brà, sits the majestic Renaissance Gran Guardia Palace | Palazzo della Gran Guardia. The Gran Guardia Palace is one of Verona’s most important historic buildings. It had been used for various military purposes over the centuries. However, today it is home to exhibitions and cultural events.

The majestic Gran Guardia Palace is located on the south-side of Piazza Brà – you can’t miss it!

An overview of Gran Guardia Palace | Palazzo della Gran Guardia

This monumental building was designed by architect Domenico Curtoni and construction began in 1610. It’s intended use was for military purposes. To this end a large porch was included in the design where military troops could be reviewed during inclement weather.

However, the work was suspended for a very long time due to economic constraints that Verona municipality had to endure. Work resumed in 1820, under the then architect, Giuseppe Barbieri. The building was completed in 1853. The palace also served as temporary housing for the Austrian military during Italy’s first struggle for independence in 1848.

The impressive Gran Guardia Palace is arranged over two-floors and an attic. The length of the building is eighty-six meters.

If you would like to include the Gran Guardia Palace in your itinerary, here’s what to expect when you visit:

Info: Giuseppe Barbieri was also the architect for Verona’s Town Hall building which is aptly named in honour of him, Palazzo Barbieri. Palazzo Barbieri sits alongside the Verona Arena on the eastern side of Piazza Brà.

What to see in Gran Guardia Palace

Officially classified as Renaissance, the facade of this impressive building showcases a combination of two different historical periods namely Baroque and Neoclassical.

The ground floor consists of thirteen majestic arches in sturdy rusticated ashlar masonry. Each arch is a diameter of three-and-half meters. These arches mirror those of the Roman amphitheatre.

Over the floors of this beautiful Renaissance building are large rectangular windows separated by paired Doric half-columns. These offer simple openings of modest size.

The stone stairway leads to the broad and grand porch of the attic. Supported by twelve pillars with full centre arches there are five grand arched windows here – sort of a crown placed on this majestic building.

Palazzo della Gran Guardia is home to prestigious exhibitions. It is open to the public only for exhibitions or other events like art shows and Vinitaly, Verona’s wine conference. The exhibitions and art shows are arranged on various floors. The rooms have varying capacities

Practical information on Gran Guardia Palace and immediate surrounds

Visiting hours

Although the Gran Guardia does not hold scheduled visiting hours, its full calendar of events means it is open to the public almost daily throughout the year.

Address: Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Opening hours: 

Tuesday (Republic Day)	9:30 am – 8:30 pm; Hours might differ
Wednesday	9:30 am – 8:30 pm
Thursday	9:30 am – 8:30 pm
Friday	9:30 am – 10:30 pm
Saturday	9:30 am – 8:30 pm
Sunday	9:30 am – 8:30 pm
Monday	9:30 am – 8:30 pm

Phone: +39 045 803 3400

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Basic information about Piazza Bra when visiting Gran Guardia Palace

Piazza Brà is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in the world! The heart of the city of Verona and a public square, it is open 24-hours a day. A complete pedestrianised area, it’s a safe place to stroll with young children without concerns for traffic. The square is lined with bustling cafés and restaurants, and is a good place to stop for a meal or snack.

Learn more on Piazza Brà which has all the information you need for your visit.

How to get to Piazza Bra

Verona is a major city in the Italian region of Veneto, and well connected by train to Milan, Florence , Venice and the rest of Italy.

The Piazza is in the city’s historic center, a short walk from the main train station.

Places to stay in Verona near Piazza Bra

For more choices on incredible places to stay, navigate to > Top 7 best places to stay in Verona

Fun ways to experience Verona

The best way to explore and discover Verona, also popularly known as the City of Love is to join a couple of guided tours. The guided walking tours or the bike tours will cover the highlights of the City of Verona – Arena, Piazza Bra, Casa di Giulietta, Gran Guardia and so much more.

If you want to take a break from the norms of sightseeing monuments (nothing wrong in this, Verona’s buildings and architecture are absolutely stunning) and experience something different, I highly recommend going on a Wine Tasting tour as the Veneto region is famous for its Amarone, Recioto, Soave, Prosecco, Valpolicella and Bardolino.

Peruse all unique experiences in the City of Verona

Exploring Verona on foot with a tour guide requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Explore the Veneto region

Make time to explore the Veneto region – bask in the Italian wine culture, admire the scenic rolling hills and be encapsulated with the citrus scents of green apple, gentle peach and white flowers aromas.

Sirmione and Lake Garda is an easy destination from Verona and a popular one for visitors to this region. Studded with pretty harbour towns along the shores of Garda and the narrow cobbled streets together with a 13th century castle in Sirmione makes this half day trip a top activity.

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Finally…

My sincere wish is that this post is valuable to you in planning your visits to Gran Guardia Palace and wider Verona. If so please let me know in comments below or via Contact Form, I would love to hear from you. Also, use the links to book your place to stay and activities to do. The suppliers are credible and you benefit from special deals as well. TTS values your support as we earn a commission from qualified bookings and purchases which are at no cost to you at all.

Have a splendid time exploring Verona and the Gran Guardia!