Loggia Amulea, Padova

The enormous Loggia Amulea is the centerpiece of Padova. Construction of this palace commenced about 800 years ago when the wealth and power of Padova was reaching its peak. Loggia Amulea is nearly 100 meters long. Romanesque arches form one tier while the gothic arches shown in the photo occupy another tier. The blue ellipsoidal shaped roof inspired by Palladio was added in the late 1500's. The top floor is occupied by a single 82 meter long assembly and performance hall. Every arch and corbel is virtually covered with intricate artwork. Definately worth a visit.

The loggia is adjacent to the central marketplace which is a sight to behold on Saturdays. The loggia now houses many shops which combine to sell just about everything. The best way to describe it is an enclosed mall with medieval architecture. There are definately none like it in the US.

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The Loggia Amulea, also known as Ca' duddo Palazzo Zacco, is an beautiful example of the palace built in neo-Gothic style. It is one the most attractive palace on the Prato della Valle square.
The Loggia Amulea takes its name from Cardinal Antonio da Mula or Amuleo, who previously owned a building, right on this site, which used to be the college for young Venetian nobility. The building was destroyed by fire in 1882. The municipality of Padova then decided to build a new palace with the front of loggia. Initially the building would have to be articulated in cafes, dance halls, gambling halls, the theatres, but later it was prefered to be the seat of "vigilidei fuoco", ie for military purpose.
It is an Gothic Revival structure on two floors with double loggia, which retrieves medieval elements, especially in the use of architectural decoration in terracotta. Between the arches stand the statues of Dante and Giotto, representing the most celebrate Renaissance artists of Italy, who for some years lived in Padova. Giotto is probably the best painter of all times whos masterpieces can be seen in Capela Scrovegni. On the wall of the porch is Felice Cavallotti, a bas-relief in bronze.

Loggia Amulea is also known as Ca' Duodo Palazzo Zacco and is situated opposite Prato della Valle. You can tell that there's a lot of Venetian architectural influence in the style of the building. It was rebuilt after a fire between 1859-61 keeping the Neo-Gothic style.