Palazzo Roncale is one of the most refined and impressive historical buildings in Rovigo, located at the corner of Via Angeli and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in the second half of the 16th century at the behest of Giovanni Roncale, a nobleman from Rovigo in the service of the Republic of Venice, the palace is a perfect example of Venetian Renaissance architecture. The design is attributed to the famous Veronese architect Michele Sanmicheli, a central figure in Northern Italy's Renaissance architecture.
The main facade, facing the square, stands out for its impressiveness and sober elegance. It consists of two overlapping architectural orders: on the ground floor, the Doric rustication dominates, with three elegant arches adorned with masks at the keystones; on the noble floor, six large arched windows, framed by Ionic pilasters, provide verticality and rhythm to the entire structure. This solemn architectural style contrasts with the more delicate and Ferrarese style of Palazzo Roverella, located nearby.
In 1574, the palace hosted Henry III, King of France and Poland, during his journey to Italy, attesting to the prestige of the Roncale family. Remaining in the family's ownership until 1881, the building was then used for various purposes, until it was purchased by a credit institution in 1919, which financed an important restoration.
Today, Palazzo Roncale is owned by the Cariparo Foundation and is opened to the public for temporary exhibitions and major cultural events, often in synergy with the exhibitions at Palazzo Roverella. Elegant and monumental, it continues to be one of the main cultural references of the city of Rovigo.
Opening Hours: the palace is open only during certain periods of the year, for temporary exhibitions and in conjunction with the exhibitions at Palazzo Roverella.
