Loggia del Capitaniato

or Loggia Bernarda, now seat of the Communal Council

The Loggia, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1571, substituted a late medieval building at one time the residence of the Capitanio, the most important Venetian authority in Vicenza. The present building is two-toned: red from the brick and white from the stone and stuccoes. Contrary to his usual practice, Palladio did not have it plastered. The facade has three inter-columns and four giant half-columns that enclose the lower arches and windows of the "piano nobile". The decorations on the main facade depict figures pouring water, and symbolise the rivers.
On the trabeation we read the inscription "Jo, Baptistae Bernardo Praefecto", in memory of Capitanio Bernardo, the builder. The palazzo also looks out over Contrà del Monte, modifying the architectural modules of the facade: the gigantic half-columns disappear and four smaller ones appear. Among the side inter-columns there are two allegorical statues in commemoration of the great victory of Lepanto in 1571: the first representing the Goddess of Naval Victory, the second the Peace already attained. The upper part has another four statues: the first, towards the square, is Virtue, the second Faith, the third, Pity, the fourth Honour. Venice beat the Turks by uniting these values. The inside of the Loggia is a harmonious space with niches and columns. The upper hall, now a council chamber, has 16th century frescoes from a villa of the Da Porto.
UNESCO Monument

Source: taken from "Vicenza, City of Palladio", Vicenza City Council, Cultural and Tourist Council Department

Address: Piazza dei Signori