The Torrione was erected in the 12th century at the west entrance of the historic center of the city of Vicenza. It was later enlarged by Ezzelino III da Romano and demolished after his death. In 1343 it was rebuilt larger during the Scaliger occupation and became part of the medieval city walls. Antonio and Mastino II della Scala restored the Ezzelino fortress, transforming it into a real Castle that occupied a square area and was surrounded by a deep moat.
Later, with the Visconti domination, merlons and the upper lantern were added, taking on its current appearance.
In the 1600s, the Castle, now devoid of its defensive role, was sold – except for the Torrione because it was publicly accessible – by the Serenissima to the Valmarana, who transformed the northern wing into a palace overlooking their ancient garden. The dismantling of the remaining parts, at the end of the 1700s, left the Torrione almost intact.
However, between the 1800s and 1900s, for traffic reasons, the entrance arch was doubled and flanked by two pedestrian passages. The last two restorations date back to 1999 and 2018. The internal perimeter of the ancient Castle – arms courtyard – is still identifiable in the large rectangular space that opens beyond the Torrione portal, facing the Corso.
In 2018, after five centuries, the Torrione returned to being a public asset. The collector Antonio Coppola, after purchasing it at auction, transferred the bare ownership of the imposing building to the Municipality of Vicenza.
The Coppola Foundation will retain usufruct for 30 years of the Torrione, using it as a center for contemporary art, ensuring its management and maintenance.
